The Fabian Society was an intellectual group established in 1884 with the principle objective of spreading socialist ideas and reform gradually rather than through revolutionary means. It was part of the utopian socialism branch.
It was named after the Roman general Fabius Maximus Verrucosus known for his accomplishment in the second Punic Wars with Cartage in 217 BC. His philosophy was to defeat the Carthaginians, led by Hannibal, through a deliberate series of patient battles rather than an all-out attack.
Sidney and Beatrice Webb (big fans of Soviet Russia) were at the core of the FS, but George Bernard Shaw and British politician (Labour) Clement Attlee were also notable members. Attlee, for his part, didn't consider capitalism to be immoral; just inefficient. Naturally, the fabulous Fabes believed a cabal of intellectual elites was a preferable atlernative to managing an economy. The thinking was (and is), central planning is the only true way to eradicate poverty and unemployment and further a just society.
The society dissolved in the 1930s but it has left enough of a mark to have a British think-tank named after it. Here in Canada the Douglas-Coldwell Foundation, a socialist think-tank, follows in the FS lineage. Interestingly, while C.D. Howe and Fraser offer their conservative views for public consumption, gaining access to DC intellectual essays isn't as easy as visiting their website.
*Snaps finger*
I think we know the rest of this story. In many ways, the Fabians succeeded in instilling socialism not just in Britain but North America. The welfare state was a major first success in the 1930s and 1940s and many felt their mission was accomplished.
Has it really? For example, we don't have central planning and debates remain about just how much power the state really wields.
Interesting post. Didn't know I was a fabulous Fabe.
ReplyDeleteI won't hold it against you.
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