Who Were The Whigs?

May 16, 2023

The Whigs were a political party in England that existed from the late 17th century to the mid-19th century. The party was formed in opposition to the policies of King James II, who was seen as a threat to Protestantism and parliamentary democracy. The Whigs were also opposed to the power of the monarchy and supported the idea of a constitutional monarchy with limited powers.

The Whigs were known for their support of religious toleration, civil liberties, and free trade. They were also strong supporters of the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw James II replaced by William III and Mary II.

In the 18th century, the Whigs became associated with the aristocracy and the landed gentry. They were opposed by the Tories, who were seen as the party of the monarchy and the Church of England. The Whigs and Tories were the two dominant political parties in England until the mid-19th century, when they were replaced by the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party.

In the United States, the Whig Party was formed in the 1830s as a political party opposed to the policies of President Andrew Jackson. The American Whigs were also supporters of a strong federal government, internal improvements, and economic development. The party was dissolved in the 1850s and replaced by the Republican Party.