Question

Excerpt from William Wilberforce’s 1789 Abolition Speech:
"Let it not be said that I was silent when they needed me most. I confess to you, so enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did its wickedness appear, that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. A trade founded in iniquity and carried on as this was, must be abolished, let the consequences be what they would. If the principles of Christianity are not merely professed but acted upon, it cannot be tolerated."

Question
Based on this excerpt, why is Wilberforce’s speech considered a seminal document in world history?

(1 point)
Responses

It introduces the legal foundation for British colonial rule in Africa.
It introduces the legal foundation for British colonial rule in Africa.

It uses religious and moral reasoning to argue for the end of the slave trade, helping spark lasting social reform.
It uses religious and moral reasoning to argue for the end of the slave trade, helping spark lasting social reform.

It reflects the growing economic dependence on slavery in the British Empire.
It reflects the growing economic dependence on slavery in the British Empire.

It outlines specific punishments for enslaved people who attempt escape.
It outlines specific punishments for enslaved people who attempt escape.

Answer 1

It uses religious and moral reasoning to argue for the end of the slave trade, helping spark lasting social reform.

Explanation: Wilberforce appeals to Christian principles and moral outrage to call for abolition, a key argument that helped build public support and political momentum to end the slave trade.