Both names are very popular whenever British elections take place or any politically important issue is discussed within this European region. But who are the Tories and Whigs: origin and history from both? The basis of all interest that arouses British political institutions is based on the way of debating and showing the world their confrontations and differences both by the Conservatives and by the Labor Party, known as Tories and Whigs.
It is essential, to know how the political institutions of Great Britain work, to know the origin and history of these two terms: Tories and Whigs.
who are the tories
The term “Tory” is used to refer to someone whose membership or support is directed solely to the Conservative Party which has parliamentary representation within the governments of Great Britain, Canada, etc.
It is usually used only within the english speaking politics and, to use it for a good purpose, it must be for someone who shares the philosophy of these conservative parties and who is called a great defender of it and its principles.
Origin and history of the Tories
The word “tories” is not something that appeared out of nowhere or occurred to a person to designate their opponents. The first time the term “Tory” was used was to denote those who were in favor of James, Duke of Yorkwas the heir even though he practiced the Roman Catholic faith.
This word, whose origin is in the irish language, was suggested by a papist who was proscribed. All the people who began to receive this nickname or who used it to designate their political thoughts, were hand in hand with Anglicanism and all the research.
During the reign of George III, both the Tory and Whig parties disappeared as such, the only feeling that continued to be manifested was that of the Tories: tradition, temperament and the so-called “Tory feeling” remained between social groups and families.
Curiosities about Great Britain:
who are the whigs
When the term “Whig” appeared, it was with the intention of creating a word that could be used in a derogatory way for those people who supported and were part of the Labor Party and, later, to the liberal.
The Whigs were highly respected and followed for a long time in Britain, during which they were able to carry out schemes such as: creation of the Bank of Englandmeasures in favor of immigration and also the full participation of all those religious minorities.
All this is part of the principles and values that the so-called “Whigs” seek and that they try to represent in all possible political chambers.
Origin and history of the Whigs
The word “Whig” as such has a scottish gaelic origin and was used to designate, initially, horse thieves and, over time, to talk about those Scottish Presbyterians.
Later, the origin of this term was used to define those people who were not satisfied with the situation they lived in, who rebelled and claimed the power of make decisions regarding the Crown. In this case, what was sought was to be able to choose whether an heir could continue in the Crown or not.
The foundation of first Whig party was during 1678and its participants sought defend the people against tyranny and create and promote the progress of its population. They achieved great things like, for example, the primacy of the British Parliament over the Crown.
During this period of time there were only two major parties: the Whigs who proposed things and the Tories who tried to prevent them from being carried out. In addition to his great advances in law and laws, the Whigs as a party disappeared, leaving a mark on their heirs who would form the Liberal and Labor parties.
The Tories and Whigs throughout British history
As we have been commenting, the tories and whigs have greatly marked the political history of great britain. His ideals and proposals have always divided the opinion of the British population who were trying to find the best path for their survival and development.
If we focus on purely political history, the Whigs they have managed to have more prime ministers than the Tories. This has given them the opportunity to create laws of all kinds: abolish the slave tradeimmigration laws, a parliamentary reform to achieve greater representation in the country, etc.
Secondly, the tory parties They have always tried to respect and keep all the traditions and customs that have made British culture what it is, in many ways, today. But it is true that, at a political level, they have not achieved everything they have sought since their ideas and approaches are very closed and it is difficult to see any evolution in them.
Obviously, all the laws or proposals that the Whigs created during the 1830s, until their dissolution in 1868, had their main “hindrance” in the people who were part of the Tory party. Some reforms like the decriminalization of homosexuality or the abolition of capital punishmentprovoked big clashes inside the British Parliament.
With the dissolution of the Whig partyit was only possible to divide its principles and values into two political parties that currently act within the British Parliament: the Liberal Party and Labor Party. Both parties seek very similar things, based on the Whig doctrine, but from apparently different points of view.
This division has created that, at present, the Tories are the ones with the greatest parliamentary representation and those who can carry out their reforms and laws almost without obstruction by the Whig parties.
Today, tories or conservatives, tries to create political plans with liberal solutions, seeking respect for traditional economic laws, a more ambitious foreign policy, etc. On the other hand, if we start looking at the labor parties, we will find more advanced positions in the economic, social and political spheres.
This division makes it possible for England and its parliament to be considered one of the most progressive places. Trying to find the balance between progress and development and the traditional and respecting customs.
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