William Wilberforce is most famous for his work in the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. He was a prominent 18th-century British politician, social reformer, and philanthropist. He was a leader of the Clapham Sect, a group of evangelical Christians who were active in social reform. Wilberforce's commitment to the abolitionist cause was largely influenced by his Christian faith. He served in Parliament for 45 years, and he campaigned tirelessly against the transatlantic slave trade. In 1787, he founded the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, which played a key role in pressuring the British government to abolish the trade. In 1807, the Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade was passed, making it illegal for British ships to transport slaves. Wilberforce continued to work for the abolition of slavery itself, and he was instrumental in the passage of the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1833. He is also remembered for his work in other social reforms, such as the abolition of child labor and the promotion of education for the poor.