The Whigs
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This article is part of the Basic Liberalism Course -> Module 2: Liberalism and its ethical foundations
The Whigs were one of the two main political factions that emerged in England in the late 17th century, alongside their rivals, the Tories. Their origin dates 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 attempted to exclude the Duke of York (a Catholic) from the line of succession to the throne.
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The Tories, on the contrary, 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 the time, 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 derogatory term: originally 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 Duke of Monmouth (illegitimate son of Charles II) and the Earl of Essex.
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Social base:
- Merchants, bankers, and the newly 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 become the basis of subsequent English political liberalism. 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 the return of an authoritarian government like that of Charles I.
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They promoted religious tolerance, especially toward non-Anglican Protestants (dissenters), although they continued to distrust Catholicism.
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Economically, many Whigs were linked 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 ideology.
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The consolidation of religious and civil liberty in the United Kingdom.
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Last updated: 2025-11-09
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