What do the letters W-H-I-G mean in European history?

In European history, W-H-I-G refers to the Whigs, a major political faction in Britain, particularly prominent during the 17th and 18th centuries. The term's origin is somewhat murky, but it was originally a term of derision, possibly connected to Scottish bandits.

Over time, the Whigs became associated with:

* Opposition to the Stuart monarchs: They generally favored a strong Parliament and resisted attempts by the monarchy to assert absolute power. This was a key factor distinguishing them from their main rivals, the Tories.

* Support for religious toleration: Compared to the Tories, they were more tolerant of non-Anglican Protestants (e.g., Presbyterians).

* A more commercial and progressive outlook: They were more open to economic modernization and generally favored policies supporting trade and commerce.

It's important to note that the Whig party's ideology evolved over time and that the term's meaning changed. By the 19th century, the Whig party largely morphed into the Liberal Party. The term "Whig" itself is now largely of historical significance. Furthermore, the application of "Whig" and "Tory" to describe opposing factions isn't always neatly defined across different periods and contexts within European history.