Whig
noun
A member of a historical political party from Britain in the 17th to 19th centuries that was opposed to royal power and wanted change.
Charles James Fox was a famous Whig politician in 18th century Britain.

Often appears as...
- whig government
- whig politician
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A member of a historical political party in the United States in the 19th century that was opposed to the democratic party.
President Millard Fillmore was the last Whig to hold the office of the President.

Often appears as...
- whig party
- whig politicians
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A member of a historical political party from Britain in the 17th to 19th centuries that was opposed to royal power and wanted change.
Charles James Fox was a famous Whig politician in 18th century Britain.

Often appears as...
- whig government
- whig politician
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A member of a historical political party in the United States in the 19th century that was opposed to the democratic party.
President Millard Fillmore was the last Whig to hold the office of the President.

Often appears as...
- whig party
- whig politicians
Usage tips
Historical
Definition 1 of 2

Historical Party
The British Whigs were not just any party, but a key group in shaping early parliamentary democracy.

Studying the Whig's influence shows how modern political systems evolved.
Change Advocates
Whigs pushed for reforms and changes, challenging the monarchy's absolute authority.

The Whigs' reform agenda set the stage for the transformation of British politics.
Liberal Leanings
In British history, 'Whig' often implies liberal, progressive stances, especially in contrast to the conservative Tories.

Whig perspectives on governance often clashed with the conservative viewpoints of the time.
Compare with
absolutistconservativehierarchalmonarchreactionaryroyalisttorytraditional
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