Here are some of his key strategies:
Political Action:
* Parliamentary Speeches: Wilberforce was a skilled orator, using his platform in Parliament to deliver passionate speeches denouncing the slave trade. He presented evidence of its horrors and argued for its moral and economic harms.
* Lobbying and Petitioning: He worked tirelessly to build support for abolition among fellow MPs, sending letters, organizing meetings, and presenting petitions signed by thousands of citizens.
* Bill Introductions: Wilberforce repeatedly introduced bills in Parliament aimed at abolishing the slave trade. Though initially unsuccessful, he persistently pushed for change over decades.
* Building Coalitions: He forged alliances with other abolitionists, forming the Society for the Suppression of the Slave Trade, which became a central force in the movement.
Public Advocacy:
* Public Speaking: Wilberforce addressed large audiences across Britain, raising public awareness about the slave trade and its brutality.
* Writing and Pamphlets: He authored articles and pamphlets exposing the realities of slavery and calling for its end, reaching a wider audience beyond Parliament.
* Utilizing the Press: He strategically used newspapers and magazines to promote his cause, shaping public opinion and influencing policymakers.
* Religious Appeals: He frequently invoked religious arguments, emphasizing the moral imperative to abolish slavery.
Other Methods:
* Supporting Abolitionist Groups: Wilberforce provided financial and moral support to other abolitionist organizations, amplifying their efforts.
* Leveraging Public Events: He capitalized on significant events, like the publication of "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano", to raise awareness and galvanize support for his cause.
Wilberforce's success was due to his combination of political maneuvering, public advocacy, and strategic use of various methods to build a powerful movement. He effectively used his position in Parliament, his oratorical skills, and his dedication to build public support and pressure policymakers until the slave trade was finally abolished in 1807.