The Life of Samuel Johnson

A member of the historical conservative political party in Great Britain, associated with “the promotion of private property and enterprise, the maintenance of a strong military, and the preservation of traditional cultural values and institutions” (Encyclopedia Britannica) including the monarchy. Johnson was well-known for his espousal of Tory principles and for his disdain the opposite political party, the Whigs (see below).

A member of the historical liberal or progressive political party in Great Britain, opposed to the Tories. The main principle of the Whigs was opposition to monarchical prerogatives and a more democratic and less hierarchical view of society.

A supporter of the exiled Stuart King James II and his descendants after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The label continued to have relevance during Johnson’s day as a mark of political loyalties.