They were led by Gleichman and where therefore called Gleichmannians, as opposed to Kappeynians (who supported Kappeyne van de Coppello).

In 1894, the conflict between the progressive and conservative or classically liberal tendencies heated over the proposed relaxation of the census.

In the 1909 elections, the League received a meagre four seats and were confined to opposition to a Christian democratic government.

After the 1913 elections the League formed an alliance with the Liberal Union, proposing the implementation of universal suffrage and state pensions.

Two Free Liberals become minister in the extra-parliamentary cabinet, led by Cort van Linden, which enacts universal suffrage.

The League was supported by bourgeoisie voters from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht and larger provincial centres in North and South Holland.