Tories

Definition

Tories were members of a political faction in England that emerged in the late 17th century, supporting the authority of the monarchy and the Anglican Church. They played a crucial role in the political landscape of the Restoration period, representing conservative values and resisting the influence of radical ideas, particularly those associated with the Whigs. This group was instrumental in shaping the governance and political debates of their time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Tory' originally referred to dispossessed Irish bandits but evolved into a political label for royalists who supported King James II during the late 17th century.
2. Tories generally promoted strong monarchical power and were opposed to radical changes in government, aligning closely with traditional institutions.
3. During the Restoration period, Tories often found themselves at odds with Whigs over issues such as succession, taxation, and religious policies.
4. The Tory party played a significant role in various political conflicts, including the exclusion crisis, which revolved around excluding James II from succession due to his Catholicism.
5. The emergence of Tories marked a shift towards organized political parties in Britain, paving the way for modern party politics.

Review Questions

• How did the Tories influence the political landscape of the Restoration period?
  • The Tories significantly influenced the Restoration period by advocating for strong monarchical authority and loyalty to the Anglican Church. They resisted radical changes proposed by their opponents, particularly during debates over succession and governance. Their conservative stance helped shape public policy and laid the foundation for party politics in England, aligning themselves with traditional values and institutions.
• In what ways did Tories differ from Whigs regarding their political ideologies and goals?
  • Tories and Whigs represented opposing political ideologies during the Restoration period. Tories favored a strong monarchy and maintained loyalty to traditional institutions like the Anglican Church. In contrast, Whigs supported parliamentary power, religious tolerance, and were often more open to radical ideas. This ideological divide led to significant political conflicts over governance and policy-making.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Tory ideology on modern British politics.
  • The ideology of Tories has had lasting impacts on modern British politics by establishing a framework for conservative thought that emphasizes tradition, authority, and stability. Their early support for monarchical power laid groundwork for later political structures that balance monarchy with parliamentary democracy. Additionally, contemporary conservative parties in Britain draw on the legacy of Tory principles, continuing to advocate for national identity, economic conservatism, and a strong central authority within a democratic framework.

Related terms

Whigs:

The opposing political faction to the Tories, favoring parliamentary power and often associated with progressive ideas, religious tolerance, and opposition to absolute monarchy.

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government in which the monarch's powers are limited by law and balanced by an elected parliament, which gained prominence during the Restoration period.

Anglican Church: The national church of England, whose establishment was supported by Tories as a cornerstone of their political identity and social order.