Система гуманитарного и социально-экономического знания. Языковая подготовка. Учебное пособие

1. The most significant development in political life over the last quarter century had been the growth of clearly defined and opposing parties, which had taken the opprobrious titles Whigs (Scottish horse thieves) and Tories (Irish cattle rustlers). Parties had first formed during the exclusion crisis of 167981, but it was the Triennial Act (1694) that unintentionally gave life to party conflict. Nine general elections were held between 1695 and 1713, and these provided the structure whereby party issues and party leaders were pushed to the fore. Though party discipline was still in its infancy and ideology was a novel aspect of politics, clearly recognisable political parties had emerged by the end of the reign of William III. In general, the Tories stood for the Anglican church, the land, and the principle of passive obedience. They remained divided over the impending Hanoverian succession, wistfully dreaming that James III might convert to Protestant ism so that the sanctity of the legitimate succession could be reaffirmed. From their country houses the Tories opposed an expensive land war and favoured the «blue sea» strategy of dominating the Atlantic and Mediterranean shipping lanes. Their leaders had a selfdestructive streak. Only Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, was a politician of the first rank, and he always shrank from being labelled a Tory. The Tories generally had a majority in the Commons and a friend on the throne, but they rarely attained power.