The Whigs
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This article is part of the Basic Course on Libertarianism and the Austrian School of Economics-> Module 2: Libertarianism and its ethical foundations
Last updated: 2025-11-09
The Whigs were one of the two main political factions that arose in England at the end of the 17th century, together with their rivals, the Tories. Their origin goes back to the political and religious conflicts that marked the reign of the last Stuarts, especially during the 1670s–1680s, and more clearly in the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681).
Historical context
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Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681): The Whigs tried to exclude the Duke of York (a Catholic) from the line of succession to the throne.
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The Tories, by contrast, defended the Duke’s hereditary right, representing more monarchical, traditional, and Anglican positions.
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Although the Whigs did not achieve their goal at that moment, their ideas triumphed later with the Glorious Revolution of 1688, when William of Orange (a Protestant) was invited to take the throne and the parliamentary monarchy was established.
Origin of the name
“Whig” was a pejorative term: originally it was used to refer to Scottish Presbyterian rebels (from whiggamore). The Tories called them that to insult them.
Who were they?
- Key leaders: Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury (founder of the group).
- John Locke (philosopher, supported their ideas).
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Nobles and merchants such as the Dukes of Monmouth (illegitimate son of Charles II) and the Earl of Essex.
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Social base:
- Merchants, bankers, and the new enriched nobility.
- Religious dissenters (non-Anglican Protestants: Puritans, Presbyterians, Baptists).
- Support in London and commercial cities.
Ideology and objectives
The Whigs defended ideas that would be the basis of later English political libertarianism. For example:
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They supported the supremacy of Parliament over the absolute power of the king (chosen by God according to the Catholics).
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They defended constitutional monarchy and the individual rights of citizens.
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They opposed absolutism and a return to authoritarian government like that of Charles I.
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They promoted religious toleration, especially toward non-Anglican Protestants (dissenters), although they continued to distrust Catholicism.
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In economic terms, many Whigs were tied to the commercial and urban bourgeoisie (bankers, merchants, industrialists).
The Whigs were the predecessors of the British Liberal Party, and their thought influenced:
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The development of English constitutionalism.
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The liberal theory of authors such as John Locke, who was close to their ideas.
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The consolidation of religious and civil liberty in the United Kingdom.
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