Whig

A Whig is a member of a historical British political party that championed constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, and parliamentary supremacy, particularly from the late 17th to mid-19th centuries. In the American context, it referred to a party active in the 1830s-1850s that opposed the Democrats and advocated for economic modernization and anti-slavery measures. Today, the term is often used in historical discussions to critique overly optimistic views of progress.