History

• 17th Century

  Distant relatives were the Whigs, a group opposed to absolute monarchy and the slave trade.
• 19th Century

  Whigs, middle and working class groups joined to form the 'Liberal Party'.

  Pro free trade and extension of civil liberties.

  Accepted the need for 'civilisation' of GB owned countries.
• Gladstones Leadership 1868 to 1894

  Attempted to extend civil liberties and the franchise.
• New Liberal Gov 1901 to 1910

  National Insurance and Pension reform, the beginning of modern liberalism.

  People can only be free if inequality is eradicated.
• Post WWI to WWII

  Decline as Labour rises.
• 1960s and 70s


  Party struggles to break through the FPTP system.
• 1981 to 1987


  Labour Party split allows Liberals a chance to merge with moderate Labour MPs.
• 1988

  Lib Dems formed , a merger of the Social Democrats and the Liberals.
• 1997

  Gained 46 seats in this election, vote share and seat share rises.
• 2005

  Win 62 seats.

  However ability to become a serious player still limited by FPTP.