Whigs (British political party)

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury

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William III Landing at Brixham, Torbay, 5 November 1688

Portrait of John Somers, Baron Somers

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Whigs (British political party)

The Whigs were a political party in Great Britain that played a significant role from the late 17th century until the mid-19th century. Originating in the latter part of the 17th century, the Whigs were initially defined by their opposition to absolute monarchy, advocating for constitutional monarchism. They were instrumental in the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Britain following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The Whigs' political ideology was rooted in the protection of civil liberties and the promotion of parliamentary sovereignty over the crown.

Origins and Development

The term "Whig" is believed to have been derived from "whiggamore," a term used to describe horse drovers from Scotland. In the political context, it was first used during the Exclusion Crisis of 1678–1681 to describe those who opposed the succession of James, Duke of York, because of his Catholic faith. The Whigs supported the Bill of Rights 1689, which laid down limits on the powers of the crown and set out the rights of Parliament and rules for freedom of speech in Parliament, the requirement for regular elections to Parliament, and the right to petition the monarch without fear of retribution.

Political Ideology

The Whigs' ideology was primarily based on the principles of constitutional monarchy, the rule of law, and the rights of individuals. They advocated for a balance of power between the monarch and Parliament, with a strong emphasis on protecting the rights of landowners and the commercial class. Over time, their political philosophy evolved to include support for religious tolerance and opposition to the slave trade.

Rise to Power

The Whigs first came to power in the late 17th century, with their influence peaking during the reigns of William III and Mary II, who were brought to the throne by the Glorious Revolution, an event the Whigs played a crucial role in. Throughout the 18th century, the Whigs were often in power, particularly during the period known as the Whig Supremacy (1715–1760), which saw a series of Whig-dominated governments.

Decline and Legacy

The Whig party began to decline in the early 19th century as the political landscape of Britain changed. The Reform Act 1832, which the Whigs championed, extended the franchise and reformed the British electoral system, but also led to the rise of new political groupings. By the mid-19th century, the Whigs had merged with the Radicals and other groups to form the Liberal Party, marking the end of the Whig party as a distinct political entity.

The legacy of the Whigs is significant in British history. They were pivotal in the development of the constitutional monarchy, the establishment of parliamentary democracy, and the promotion of civil liberties. Their contributions to political thought and practice have had a lasting impact on the governance of Britain and the broader principles of liberal democracy.