The Tories and Whigs

The Tories and Whigs were the two main political parties in Britain from the 17th to 19th centuries. Tories generally supported royal authority, tradition, and the monarchy’s power, while Whigs favored parliamentary sovereignty, reform, and limiting royal influence. Over time, these differences shaped debates on governance, rights, and reforms. The parties evolved into modern political groups: the Tories eventually became the Conservative Party, and the Whigs evolved into the Liberal Party. Their rivalry was central to British political development, reflecting different visions of government, authority, and societal change.