Whig Party (British)

The Whig party in Great Britain was the forerunner of the nineteenth-century Liberal Party; it evolved from late seventeenth century politicians who supported the Glorious Revolution and the rights of Parliament, while their opponents, the Tories, supported the right of the Crown and the established church. Although both parties included high aristocratic families and great landowners, the Tories were seen as supporting landed interests, Whigs trade and commerce.