Difference between revisions of "Fabian Socialism"
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===Inevitability of Gradualness=== | ===Inevitability of Gradualness=== | ||
| − | The phrase ''Inevitability of Gradualness'' is a phrase that was coined by [[Sidney Webb]], probably in small talk after the publication of his highly influential 1889 essay ''The Historic Basis of Socialism''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fabian Essays in Socialism|date=1889}}</ref> | + | The phrase ''Inevitability of Gradualness'' is a phrase that was coined by [[Sidney Webb]], probably in small talk after the publication of his highly influential 1889 essay ''The Historic Basis of Socialism''.<ref name=1889>{{cite book|title=Fabian Essays in Socialism|date=1889}}</ref> |
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| + | Gradualness was also written about by Bernard Shaw. He wrote: | ||
| + | {{cquote|The necessity for cautious and gradual change must be obvious to everyone here, and would be made obvious to everyone elsewhere if only the catastrophists were courageously and sensibly dealtwith in discussion. What then does a gradual transition to Social Democracy means specifically? It means the gradual extension of the franchise; and the transfer of rent and interest to the state, not in one lump sum, but by instalments.<ref name=1889>}} | ||
==London School of Economics== | ==London School of Economics== | ||
Revision as of 23:10, August 10, 2015
Fabian socialism is a type of socialism founded in 1884 in Britain. It sought use of the democratic framework to achieve gradual conversion to socialism. This approach originated from the movement for utopian socialism. Its nine[1] founding members were Frank Podmore, Edward R. Pease, William Clarke, Hubert Bland,[2] Percival Chubb, Frederick Keddell,[1] Henry Hyde Champion,[3]Edith Nesbit,[4] and Rosamund Dale Owen.[2][1] Havelock Ellis is sometimes also mentioned as a tenth founding member, though there is some question about this.[1]
Important Fabians includes Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Annie Besant, and Bertrand Russell[5].
The Fabians were influential in forming the ideas of the British Labour Party
History
The Fabian Society derives its name from Fabius Maximus, a Roman general known for his delaying tactics. This was at the suggestion of Frank Podmore.[3]
Coat of Arms
The Fabians have as their coat of arms, a wolf in sheep's clothing. It can be prominently seen in the Fabian Window.
Ideology
Evolutionary Socialism
Ideologically, Fabians are quite different than other brands of socialism. Fabian socialists prefer evolutionary tactics over revolutionary tactics. This is a direct rejection of one of the most important parts of Marxism. This is seen with their choice of name; being named after Roman General Fabius, who preferred tactics of harassment and wearing down his enemies rather than directly engaging with them. This is also seen in their choice of mascot: the tortoise. One iteration of the Fabian tortoise contains the inscription When I strike, I strike hard. The Fabian preference for evolutionary socialism(achieving full socialism in multiple stages instead of one stage) is also reiterated in a summary slogan which was coined by Sidney Webb: The Inevitability of Gradualness.
Inevitability of Gradualness
The phrase Inevitability of Gradualness is a phrase that was coined by Sidney Webb, probably in small talk after the publication of his highly influential 1889 essay The Historic Basis of Socialism.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Gradualness was also written about by Bernard Shaw. He wrote:
| “ | The necessity for cautious and gradual change must be obvious to everyone here, and would be made obvious to everyone elsewhere if only the catastrophists were courageously and sensibly dealtwith in discussion. What then does a gradual transition to Social Democracy means specifically? It means the gradual extension of the franchise; and the transfer of rent and interest to the state, not in one lump sum, but by instalments.<ref name=1889> | ” |
London School of Economics
The LSE was founded in 1895 by leading Fabian members Beatrice Webb (1858-1943), Sidney Webb (Lord Passfield) (1859-1948), George Bernard Shaw, and Graham Wallas.
Further reading
- McCarran, Margaret Patricia Fabianism in the Political Life of Britain - 1919-1931 (1954)
- Martin, Rose Fabian Freeway: High Road to Socialism in the U.S.A. (1968)
Primary sources
- Webb, Beatrice and Sidney Webb. Industrial Democracy (Originally published in 1897, link goes to 1902 publication), a highly influential statement by British Fabians.
- Pease, Edward R. The History of the Fabian Society (1912)
- Cole, Margaret The Story of Fabian Socialism (1961)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 (1961) The Story of Fabian Socialism. Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-1163700105.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 (1962) Fabian Socialism and English Politics, 1884-1918. Cambridge University Press.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 (1916) The History of the Fabian Society.
- ↑ (1993) Australia's First Fabians: Middle-class Radicals, Labour Activists and the Early Labour Movement. Cambridge University Press.
- ↑ The Rise and Fall of England: 11. The Fabian Thrust to Socialism. The Freeman (January 01, 1969).