In his 1789 speech against the slave trade, William Wilberforce aimed to evoke a strong emotional and moral response from his audience in Parliament and the public. His rhetorical strategies were designed to achieve several key impacts:
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Awareness of Injustice: Wilberforce sought to make his audience aware of the moral atrocities associated with slavery. He aimed to highlight the suffering of enslaved people, hoping that this would lead them to acknowledge the urgent need for reform and take responsibility for the injustices of the slave trade.
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Moral Obligation: By appealing to the moral principles of his audience, Wilberforce hoped they would understand that supporting the abolition of the slave trade was not only a political issue but also a profound moral obligation. He aimed to inspire a sense of righteousness about the cause.
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Passionate Advocacy: Wilberforce wanted to ignite a sense of passion and urgency among his listeners. He may have hoped they would rise from complacency, advocating passionately for abolition and encouraging their peers to do the same.
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Legislative Support: By outlining the economic, social, and ethical implications of the slave trade, he sought to rally support from lawmakers, making a compelling case that would lead to legislative action against the slave trade.
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Broader Public Engagement: Through his emotive language and vivid imagery, Wilberforce aimed to engage the wider public as well. He wanted them to discuss and debate the issues surrounding the slave trade, galvanizing public opinion in favor of abolition.
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Consideration of Human Rights: Ultimately, Wilberforce hoped his audience would consider the enormity of the topic and recognize the fundamental human rights of enslaved people, aligning the abolition movement with emerging ideas about human dignity and freedom.
In summary, Wilberforce's rhetoric was designed to evoke a moral awakening and rally support for the abolition of slavery, making his audience not just passive listeners but active advocates for change.