William Wilberforce
As soon as ever I had arrived thus far in my investigation
of the slave trade, I confess to you sir, so enormous so
dreadful, so irremediable [incurable] did its wickedness
appear that my own mind was completely made up for
the abolition. A trade founded in iniquity [evil), and
carried on as this was, must be abolished, let the policy be
what it might, -let the consequences be what they would,
I from this time determined that I would never rest till I
had effected its abolition.
Background information: This is an excerpt from a
speech given by William Wilberforce to the British
Parliament in 1789.
What primary argument is Wilberforce making for the
abolition of the slave trade in this passage?
O The slave trade is no longer necessary.
O The slave trade is an enormous part of the
economy.
O The slave trade profits Great Britain.
The slave trade is evil.