Chapter 1: Whigs and Tories Flashcards
How were the Whigs and Tories complicated
There were diferent factions within the two groups who opposed each other.
What did the Whigs and Tories want?
Both wished to maintain the status quo, wanted to win political advancement over each other. They accepted Royal Patronage.
What did the Whigs believe?
Political power belongs with ‘the people’ and the monarch should not interfere with the will of parliament. Power to appoint ministers and officials should come from Parliament.
What did late eighteenth century Whigs believe?
Believed in religious toleration for Dissenters.
What did Tories believe?
Sovereignty belonged to the monarch and the people were his subjects and it was their duty to obey. They accepted the hereditary nature o the monarchy and authority of the established, Anglican church. Hostile to Radicals, Dissenters and Catholics.
Who were the Radicals?
Politicans who argue for political and social change.
Who were the Dissenters?
Protestants who broke away from the established Anglican Church and adopted their own practices.
Which party started to improve?
Whigs led the way in making improvements in their organisation and creating a sharper identity after George pushed them into opposition in 1783 when he gave his support to Pitt.
What was Pitt’s political status?
Called himself as an independent Whig but often regarded as a Tory. He criticised the Whigs as being too narrow, poltical power being controlled by a Whig oligarchy serving only their own interests.
What happened by the end of Pitt’s reign?
By the end of 1806, Whig supremacy had been broken. They came back in 1830s, very diferent.
What did people see the difference between the Whigs and Tories as?
Whigs became associated with liberal ideas and reform. Tories became regarded as reactionary and against reform.
