Whig Party, Britain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whigs
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| Founded | 1678 |
| Dissolved | 1868 |
| Preceded by | Country party |
| Succeeded by | Liberal Party Peelites |
| Ideology | Whiggism, Constitutional monarchism, Radicalism, Laissez-faire, Classical liberalism, Rule of law, Anti-Catholicism |
| International affiliation | None |
| Colours | orange; buff and blue |
The Whigs were an important political group and later a political party in the parliaments of England, Scotland, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom. From the 1680s to the 1850s, they were often in competition with their rivals, the Tories. The British prime minister was usually a member of either the Whig or Tory party.
Who Were the Whigs?
The Whigs played a big part in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This event changed how Britain was ruled. The Whigs were also against the Stuart kings and pretenders, who were Roman Catholic.
Rise to Power
The Whigs took full control of the government in 1715. They kept this power for many years. However, when King George III became king in 1760, he allowed the Tories to return to power.
When the Whigs were in charge, they removed Tories from many important jobs. This included positions in the government, the army, the Church of England, and local offices.
Famous Whig Leaders
One of the most well-known Whig leaders was Robert Walpole. He was in control of the government for a long time, from 1721 to 1742. He is often seen as Britain's first true prime minister.
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