Whig Split

The Whig Split occurred between 1717 and 1720, when the governing British Whig Party divided into two factions: one in government, led by James Stanhope; the other in opposition, dominated by Robert Walpole. It coincided with a dispute between George I and his son George, Prince of Wales, with the latter siding with the opposition Whigs. It is also known as the Whig Schism. It lasted for three years before being resolved by a reconciliation between the two factions. Walpole went on to serve as Prime Minister from 1721 to 1742.