Difference between revisions of "Timeline of Fabianism"

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| 1906 || || Robert Blatchford publishea a utopian socialist tract, ''Merrie England'', which would sell over two million copies in Britain only.   
 
| 1906 || || Robert Blatchford publishea a utopian socialist tract, ''Merrie England'', which would sell over two million copies in Britain only.   
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| 1907 (March) || || Fabian Society experiences significant growth, reaching 1267 members, an increase of nearly 500 in two years.<ref name="Pease"/>
 
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| 1907 || || Publication of ''Fabianism and the Empire'', outlining Fabian views on imperialism.
 
| 1907 || || Publication of ''Fabianism and the Empire'', outlining Fabian views on imperialism.

Revision as of 20:40, 7 March 2024

This is a timeline of Fabianism.

Sample questions

The following are some interesting questions that can be answered by reading this timeline:

Big picture

Time period Development summary More details
1859-1883 Socialist Stirrings and Moral Regeneration Britain experiences a growing critique of laissez-faire capitalism and a heightened interest in socialist ideas. This period witnesses the strengthening of the British socialist movement. In 1883, Thomas Davidson founds The Fellowship of the New Life, emphasizing moral regeneration as a central focus, and marking an early chapter in the evolving landscape of socialist ideas.[1]
1884-1901 Fabian Formation and Early Development The pivotal moment of January 4, 1884, sees the birth of the Fabian Society as a splinter group from The Fellowship of the New Life. Drawing from various influences, including John Stuart Mill and Henry George, the Fabians formulate their economic theories and principles, which are encapsulated in the A Manifesto by George Bernard Shaw and later in Fabian Essays in Socialism. The Fabian Society's success is attributed to its foundation before other Socialist bodies in England and the contribution of a group of exceptional individuals, known as the Fabian Essayists.[2]
1886-1900 Internal Struggles and Political Influence Amidst internal struggles and debates between anarchists and state socialists, the Fabian Society faces challenges. Nevertheless, the 1890s witness the Society advocating for municipal ownership of utilities and gaining political influence through members' election to the London County Council.
1892-1907 Political Engagement and Labour Movement In 1892, Sidney Webb and others are elected to the London County Council, marking a peak in Fabian Society membership. Engaging actively in education and permeating English liberalism, Fabians play a crucial role in the formation of the Labour Party in 1906. The subsequent publication of "Fabianism and the Empire" in 1907 reflecta their evolving views on imperialism.

Full timeline

Year Event type Details
280–203 BC Prelude Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus lives. The name of the Fabian Society would derive from his tactics.
1848 John Stuart Mill publishes Principles of Political Economy, which would influence the development of early Fabian economic theory.[1]
1859 John Stuart Mill publishes his essay On Liberty, which helps shape the basic tenets of Fabian socialism.[1]
1882 (September) Trade Union Congress passes a resolution on Poor Law administration, sparking concerns about socialism.[2]
1883 (January) Spectator discusses the growing wonder of Positivism.[2]
1883 (April) Emile de Lavelaye expresses alarm about the 'Progress of Socialism.'[2]
1883 The Blands join a socialist debating group which would evolve to become the (middle-class, socialist) Fabian Society.[3] With Edward Pease. Bland served as co-editor of the Fabian News, a monthly journal.[1]
1883 (May) Mr. Samuel Smith, M.P., writes on 'Social Reform' in the 'Nineteenth Century,' addressing concerns about communism and socialism.[2]
1883 (September) Trade Union Congress resolution on Poor Law administration leads to concerns about socialism.[2]
1883 The Fellowship of the New Life is founded as a precursor to the Fabian Society, focusing on moral regeneration.[4]
1884 (January 2) Bernard Shaw elected to the Executive Committee.[2]
1884 (January 4) A splinter group separates from The Fellowship of the New Life and establishes the Fabian Society at 17 Osnaburgh Street, London. Prioritizing social reform over moral regeneration, the Fabian Society aims to reconstruct British society without competition, emphasizing general welfare and happiness. Key founding members include Edward Pease, Edith Nesbith, Hubert Bland, and Frank Podmore.[5][1][4]
1884 (January 25th) Reports on a lecture by Henry George and a Democratic Federation Conference.[2]
1884 (January) Second edition of Samuel Smith's 'Reply' to Democratic Federation's manifesto is issued.[2]
1884 (February 29) Fabian Motto introduced during a meeting, emphasizing the importance of patient counsel and strategic strikes.[2]
1884 (February 29) Motion expressing support for the Democratic Federation.[2]
1884 (March 7) Pamphlet committee nominated.[2]
1884 (March 21) Reappointment of the Executive.[2]
1884 (March 21) The word "Socialism" first appears in the Fabian Society's records during a meeting where a paper by Miss Caroline Haddon titled The Two Socialisms is presented.[2]
1884 (April 4) Pamphlet Committee reports, and 2000 copies of 'Fabian Tract No. 1' titled 'Why are the many poor?' are ordered to be printed.[2]
1884 (May 16) Bernard Shaw makes his first appearance at a meeting where Mr. Rowland Estcourt presents a paper on 'The Figures of Mr. Mallock.'[2]
1884 (September 5) Bernard Shaw is elected as a member of the Fabian Society.[2]
1884 (September 19) Bernard Shaw's first contribution to the Society, Pamphlet No. 2, titled A Manifesto, is read, marking a shift in intellectual outlook.[2] The most important 'principles' are summarized below:
Land and capital have created the division of society into hostile classes, with large appetites and no dinners at one extreme and large dinners and no appetites at the other. Nationalisation of land is a public duty. Capitalism has ceased to encourage invention and to distribute its benefits in the fairest way attainable. Under the existing system of the national industry, competition has the effect of rendering adulteration, dishonest dealing, and inhumanity compulsory. The Public Revenue should be levied by a direct Tax. The State should compete with private individuals — especially with parents — in providing happy homes for children, so that every child may have a refuge from the tyranny or neglect of its natural custodians. The sexes should enjoy equal political rights. The State should secure a free, liberal education for everybody. The established Government has no more right to call itself the State than the smoke of London has to call itself the weather.[1]
1884 (end of the year) Hyndman publishes 'Historical Basis of Socialism in England.'[2]
1884–1886 During this period, the membership of the Fabian Society steadily increases, from 31 to 116.[1]
1885 (January 2) Election of Mrs. Besant and Frank Podmore to the Executive.[2]
1885 (January 28) Industrial Remuneration Conference, discussing the benefits of industrial products.[2]
1885 (March 21) Bernard Shaw is elected to the Executive.[2]
1885 (April 17) Decision to send a delegate to examine South Yorkshire Miners.[2]
1885 (April) Bernard Shaw lectures on Land Nationalisation, Irish affairs, and Henry George's propaganda at the Liberal and Social Union.[2]
1885 (May) George Bernard Shaw invites two young Colonial Office clerks, Sidney Webb and Sydney Olivier to join the Society. Some other early notable members include Beatrice Potter (later Webb), Edward Carpenter, Eleanor Marx (Karl Marx's eldest daughter), Annie Besant, Graham Wallas, and briefly, Herbert George Wells (from 1903 to 1908).[1]
1885 (June 5) Adoption of a tract recommending support for schemes favorable to landlords. Adoption of a resolution warning against radical workmen getting hold of the tract.[2]
1885 (June) Tract No. 3 published, explicitly mentioning the Fabian Society's goal of advancing Socialism in England.[2]
1885 (May 15) Election of new members, including Mrs. Annie Besant.[2]
1885 (August) Founding of 'Justice,' the organ of the Democratic Federation.[2]
1885 (November) The Democratic Federation becomes the Social Democratic Federation (S.D.F.).[2]
1886 (January) Approval for the publication of 'What Socialism Is.'[2]
1886 (March) Executive Committee increased to seven members.[2]
1886 (April) Approval of 'What Socialism Is' (Tract No. 4).[2]
1886 (May 16) Sidney Webb makes his first contribution, 'The Government Organisation of Unemployed Labour,' signaling his involvement in Fabian intellectual endeavors.[2]
1886 (June 9-11) Fabian Conference held at South Place Chapel.[2]
1886 (June 19) Leadership Sydney Olivier assumes the role of Secretary at a meeting at 94 Cornwall Gardens.[2]
1886 (June) By this time, the Fabian Society has about 20 founders and approximately 67 members.[2]
1886 (July 2) William Morris lectures on 'The Aims of Art.'[2]
1886 (July 17) Belfort Bax lectures are conducted.[2]
1886 (July) The Fabian Conference of 1886 takes place, discussing various aspects of society and Fabian principles.[2]
1886 (September 17) A significant meeting takes place at Anderton's Hotel where a resolution is passed, leading to the formation of the Fabian Parliamentary League.[2]
1886 (December 18) Public meeting addressed by Mrs. Besant.[2]
1887 (January) Tract No. 5, 'Facts for Socialists,' is adopted, proving Socialist arguments through quotes from political economists and statisticians.[2]
1887 (February) The Fabian Parliamentary League is officially formed with a deliberate possibilism policy.[2]
1887 (June 3) The Basis of the Society is adopted during a meeting. Unfortunately, the record of this meeting is incomplete.[2]
1887 George Bernard Shaw makes a significant contribution by presenting A Manifesto that outlines key Fabian principles. These principles encompass the nationalization of land, a firm stand against capitalism, the promotion of equal political rights, and the advocacy for free education.[1]
1887 By this time, the Society is constitutionally constitutional in its outlook, with considerations of Collectivism and Anarchism within international socialism.[2]
1887 The Fabian Society publishes its program, known as “The Basis,” which proposes “the use of the existing institutions, party and parliamentary machinery for the realization of social reforms.” These reforms, which can be described as Fabian socialism, aim at “ the elimination of privately owned land and the establishment of community ownership of the means of production.” (Milburn 320) The instruments to achieve these goals were democratic government control, municipalisation and nationalisation. The Fabian Society rejectes the Marxian theory of the class struggle and postulate that the transition from capitalism to socialism would never be carried by force.[1]
1887 Sidney writes tract titled Facts for Socialists. He argues for the abolishing of the laissez-faire economics and for active role of government in economics. He rejects the Marxist notion of revolution as the necessary requirement for social change and advocated instead the need for reforms.[4]
1888 (March 16) Mr. R.B. Haldane, M.P., addresses the Society on Radical Remedies for Economic Evils. This meeting is vividly described in the 'Radical' publication.[2]
1888 (April) The Executive Committee is re-elected with new members, and the Parliamentary League transforms into the Political Committee. Tract 7, titled 'Capital and Land,' authored by Sydney Olivier, is approved.[2]
1888 Sidney Webb writes Facts for Londoners.[4]
1888 Sidney Webb privately prints a paper titled Wanted a Programme: An Appeal to the Liberal Party, laying the groundwork for resolutions demanding the adoption of a program. The effort leads to the adoption of the Newcastle Program in 1891.[2]
1889 (January 1) The publication of Fabian Essays in Socialism, edited by George Bernard Shaw, marks a pivotal moment as eight influential Fabians articulate the ideology and program of the Society, shaping its core principles and objectives. The text contains essays by George Bernard Shaw, Graham Walls, Sidney Webb, Sydney Olivier and Annie Besant.[5] The authors deal almost wholly with English conditions and problems. The tract would sell 46,000 copies prior to World War One and would become the blueprint for socialist legislation. It would also be published in the USA and other countries and translated into several languages.[1][6]
1889 (April) The Society decides to publish the autumn series of lectures, marking the beginning of the preparation of 'Fabian Essays.'[2]
1889 (April) The Essayists are re-elected to the Executive Committee, and Sydney Olivier is appointed as Honorary Secretary.[2]
1889 (July) Tract No. 8, 'Facts for Londoners,' is approved for publication.[2]
1889 (July) The Society takes part in the first London County Council Election, contributing to the progressive movement with the publication of Questions for Candidates and pamphlets like Wanted a Programme and The Progress of Socialism.[2]
1889 (July) Facts for Londoners is approved for publication. It covers various statistical and other facts related to London with suggestions for reform on socialist principles.[2]
1889 (August 14th - September 14th) The London Dockers' Strike takes place, with Fabian members individually supporting the strike. The Society, as a whole, doesn't take an official stance.ref name="Pease"/>
1889 (September 20) A committee is appointed to prepare an Eight Hours Bill for Parliament, addressing the demand for a legal eight-hour workday.[2]
1889 (September 21) The first lecture of the autumn series is held at Willis's Rooms, covering The Historical Aspect of the Basis of Socialism by Sidney Webb.[2]
1889 (November) Tract No. 9, the Eight Hours Bill, is published by the Fabian Society.[2]
1889 (December) Fabian Essays is issued to subscribers and the public, with a frontispiece by Walter Crane and a cover by Miss May Morris. In January 1890, the first edition of 1000 copies is quickly sold out within a month. A second edition of 1000 copies follows in March 1890. In September 1890, Walter Scott takes charge of a new shilling paper edition, achieving remarkable success with 5000 copies sold before publication and an additional 20,000 within a year. In 1908, a sixpenny paper edition with a new preface by the editor is issued by Walter Scott, garnering sales of 10,000 copies within a few months. The total sales of 'Fabian Essays' would reach approximately 46,000 copies in English editions alone by 1908. Fabian Essays would have a lasting impact, providing a clear and understandable case for Socialism.[2]
1889 The Essayists are re-elected to the Executive Committee. Sydney Olivier becomes the first historian of the Society, presenting an address on 'The Origin and Early History of the Fabian Society' in April.[2]
1890 (March 28) Annual Meeting is held with significant changes, including the expansion of the Executive Committee to fifteen members. A paid secretary, George Bernard Shaw, is appointed at a salary of £1 per week for the first year.[2]
1890 (June 16) Henry H. Hutchinson of Derby is elected as a member and offers a donation of £100 or £200 for lectures in country centres.[2]
1890 (July 29) The Lancashire campaign is planned, featuring abstracts of lectures, complete lists of lecture details, and participation from the Essayists and additional members.[2]
1890 (September 20th - October 27th) The Lancashire campaign takes place, with around sixty lectures delivered in Lancashire and other locations, addressing working-class audiences and influencing political opinion.[2]
1890 (November 4th) A 'Report' on the Lancashire campaign is issued, highlighting the success in breaking ground in traditional Unionist and Tory strongholds.[2]
1890 (November) Mrs. Besant severs her connection with the Society, influenced by her conversion to Theosophy, marking the end of her contributions to the Socialist movement.[2]
1891 The Fabian Society changes its premises to 276 Strand.[2]
1891–1913 Edward R. Pease serves as General Secretary of the Fabian Society.
1891 (March) The first issue of Fabian News, the monthly organ of the Society, is published, replacing printed circulars and serving as a means of communication with members. Bland and Pease serve as editors.[1][2]
1891 (April) The Executive Committee reports significant progress in the Socialist movement, with increased membership, subscriptions, and the formation of local Fabian Societies across various locations.[2]
1891 (April 29) A leaflet (Tract No. 22) is published by the Fabian Society, opposing the Leasehold Enfranchisement Bill. The bill is defeated by a narrow majority of 13 in a house numbering 354.[2]
1891 Sidney Webb publishes The London Programme in Sonnenschein's Social Science Series, outlining the Society's policy on all affairs of the metropolis.[2]
1891 Sidney Webb writes The Eight Hour Day for the Society. He argues for the abolishing of the laissez-faire economics and for active role of government in economics. He rejects the Marxist notion of revolution as the necessary requirement for social change and advocated instead the need for reforms.[4]
1892 (February 6th and 7th) The first (and for twenty years the last) Annual Conference is held in London at Essex Hall, with fourteen provincial societies represented, claiming a membership of about 1100. Bernard Shaw delivers a memorable paper, The Fabian Society: What it has done and how it has done it, later published as Tract 41 and renamed The Fabian Society: Its Early History.[2]
1892 (July) The General Election takes place, with six Fabian members as candidates. Only J. Keir Hardie at West Ham is successful, but Ben Tillett at West Bradford performs well, preparing for F.W. Jowett's success in 1906.[2]
1892 The Fabian Societies elsewhere in the United Kingdom reach the peak membership of about 1500. From then on a steady decline follows, with a significant revival later in 1913.[1]
1892 Sidney Webb and five other Fabians are elected to the London County Council, where they try to propagate the ideas of 'municipal socialism', which call for the public ownership of urban utilities and tramlines, better wages for city workers, improved free public education and vocational training. Early Fabians are also very active in various educational boards in London.[1]
1892 By this time, English liberalism has sufficiently been permeated with Fabian ideas. At the same time the Society begins to attract socialists and labour leaders, such as Heir Kardie, Will Crooks, and Ben Tillett.[1]
1892 (November) The Fabian Society publishes an article titled 'To Your Tents, O Israel' in the 'Fortnightly Review.' It criticizes the Gladstone government's treatment of labor and calls on the working classes to abandon Liberalism and form a Trade Union party.[2]
1893 (January) The Independent Labour Party (I.L.P.) is founded at a conference attended by the Fabian Society of London and nine local Fabian Societies.[2]
1893 (March) Sir Henry (then Mr.) Campbell-Bannerman pledges the government to be the best employer of labor. Bernard Shaw and Sidney Webb decide to attack old-fashioned Liberalism. 'To Your Tents, O Israel' appears in November, advocating administrative reform in various government departments.[2]
1893 (March) The Fabian Society publishes the 'Plan of Campaign for Labour,' a tract that leads to the resignation of some distinguished members.[2]
1893 The Fabian Society advocates for Trade Unionists to establish their own Labour Party. Around the same time, the Independent Labour Party is founded with the initial goal of creating a labor-oriented political entity. However, it swiftly evolves into a predominantly Socialist society.[2]
1893 The Fabians, recognizing the potential for influence within the political landscape, adopt varied strategies of permeation. Initially favoring the Liberal government, seen as more receptive to Fabian ideas than the Conservatives, they offer support. However, disillusioned by the lack of commitment to social reforms, the Fabians publish the pamphlet To Your Tents, O Israel in the same year. This publication signals a shift, urging the creation of a genuine working-class party. Subsequently, with the formation of the Independent Labour Party in 1893, the Fabian Society throws its support behind this new political entity, aligning with its goals and ideals.[1]
1893 Provincial Fabian Societies show substantial growth with 74 societies recorded, including Bombay and South Australia. However, this marks the high-water mark as provincial organization later declines.[2]
1894 The Fabian Society experiences rapid progress with the membership reaching 681, and expenditure rising to £1179 in 1893. Significant financial contributions are received for lectures in the provinces.[2]
1895 The London School of Economics (LSE) is founded by The Fabian Society. This represents a successful challenge to the traditional dominance of Oxford and Cambridge universities. The decision to create this educational institution, dedicated to exploring the social and economic challenges of late Victorian Britain and disseminating Fabian Society ideals, was made during a breakfast party at Beatrice and Sidney Webb's summer house (Borough Farm) near Milford, Surrey, on August 4, 1894. The founders include Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Graham Wallas, and George Bernard Shaw. The foundation of the LSE marks a significant milestone in the establishment of a prestigious institution dedicated to economic and political studies.[1][4]
1895 The Fabian Society secures substantial financial support from Henry Hunt Hutchison, a Derby solicitor, enabling the successful development of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Rapid expansion follows with additional private grants and donations, establishing the LSE as a crucial hub for the influence and dissemination of Fabian socialist principles.[1][4]
1895 The policy of simple permeation of the Liberal Party comes to an end as the 'Daily Chronicle' becomes hostile to the Fabians. Despite permeation, the Liberal Party is crushed in the election of 1895.[2]
1897–1898 Significant effort is invested in developing a plan for the municipalization of the Drink Trade by the Fabian Society. This occurs prior to the publication of The Temperance Problem and Social Reform in 1899 by Joseph Rowntree and Arthur Sherwell, which is the first comprehensive scientific treatment of the subject.[2]
1898 The Fellowship of the New Life is dissolved. Meanwhile, the Fabian Society grows to become the pre-eminent intellectual society in the United Kingdom in the Edwardian era.[4]
1899 The Fabian Society participates in the formation of a local government Information Bureau.[1]
1899 The Fabian Society, primarily focused on domestic concerns like national ownership, free education, and the betterment of the lives of the impoverished, undergoes a significant shift with the outbreak of the Boer War. Up until this point, imperial rule has not been a major focus for the society. However, the conflict prompts a major split within the Fabians regarding their stance on the war. This division results in the resignations of prominent members, including Emmeline Pankhurst, William Clarke, and J. Ramsay MacDonald who, being a member of the Fabian Executive Committee at this time, would go on to become the future leader of the Labour Party.[1]
1899 A group of Fabian rank-and-file members, led by the future guild-socialist, S. G. Hobson, and supported by a few members, unsuccessfully attempt to get the Fabian Executive to issue a statement of opposition to the war against the Boers.[1]
1900 The Fabian Society drafts an amending Bill for rural districts in 1895.[2]
1900 The Society publishes a tract drafted by George Bernard Shaw, Fabianism and the Empire, which becomes the most significant statement of the Society's imperial policy. Shaw supports imperial expansion because, as he claims, the world evolved toward big and powerful states. The Fabians criticise Liberals, but support British imperial policy as a means of disseminating enlightened principles of governance throughout the world.[1]
1900 The Fabian Society participates in the foundation of the Labour Party.
1900 The LSE merges with the University of London[1]
1900 The Fabians help establish the Labour Representative Committee, which would become the Labour Party in 1906.[2]
1900 The decline of provincial Fabian Societies is noted, with only four local and four University Societies remaining. The Society recognizes that provincial Fabianism has served its purpose, especially with the rise of the Independent Labour Party (I.L.P.).[2]
1901 The Education Act of 1902 is published, incorporating some of the Fabian Society's proposals.[2]
1902 Sidney Webb contributes significantly to the preparation of the Education Act of 1902, which hands over the control of local schools to borough or city councils. Over time, the education system in Britain would emulate many Fabian ideas. Another important success of the early Fabians is their contribution to the implementation of the municipal reform, which is to produce, as they believe 'municipal socialism'.[1]
1902 The Fabian Society criticizes the Conservative Government's policy on housing.[2]
1903 (February) English writer Herbert George Wells becomes a member of the Fabian Society.[2]
1903 (March) H.G. Wells delivers his first lecture in March on the intricate topic of "The Question of Scientific Administrative Areas in Relation to Municipal Undertakings." This lecture is later published as an appendix to Wells' work, Mankind in the Making.[2]
1903 The LSE opens the first department of sociology and social economics in Britain.[1]
1905 A conference on Housing is organized by the Fabian Society.[2]
1906 (January 12) During the General Election, Mr. Wells presents a paper to the Fabian Society. However, due to the ongoing election, he instead delivers an article titled This Misery of Boots, which later becomes a special Fabian publication.[2]
1906 (February 9) H. G. Wells initiates the controversy with the paper Faults of the Fabian, criticizing its size, financial status, and self-effacing habits. The ensuing debate prompts the formation of a committee, including Wells and notable Fabians, to address issues and suggest reforms. The resulting report, less inspiring than Wells' critique, proposes administrative changes, like a weekly review, new publications, and altering the Society's name. The controversial suggestion of running parliamentary candidates and raising funds for it marks a shift, emphasizing increased membership. Wells' proposal attracts attention and contributes to the Fabian Society's public prominence.[2]
1906 The Fabians lobby for the introduction of a minimum wage, for the creation of a universal health care system in 1911 and for the abolition of hereditary peerages.[7]
1906 The first Fabian Society pamphlets are written to lobby for a minimum wage.[4]
1906 Robert Blatchford publishea a utopian socialist tract, Merrie England, which would sell over two million copies in Britain only.
1907 (March) Fabian Society experiences significant growth, reaching 1267 members, an increase of nearly 500 in two years.[2]
1907 Publication of Fabianism and the Empire, outlining Fabian views on imperialism.
1908 The Fabian Society moves to 25 Tothill Street, Westminster.[2]
1909 Beatrice and Sidney Webb, key figures in the Fabian Society, contribute significantly to Fabian thinking and research methodology. Beatrice's 1909 Minority Report to the Commission of the Poor Law lays the foundation for much of the modern welfare state.[5]
1911 Fabian Society pamphlets are written to lobby for the creation of the National Health Service.[4]
1913 Beatrice and Sidney Webb found the New Statesman, with financial support from George Bernard Shaw and other Fabian Society members. The magazine maintains an independent and Fabian-inspired point of view.[5]
1915 The Fabian Election Fund is established.[2]
1917 Fabian Society pamphlets are written to lobby for the abolition of hereditary peers.[4]
1920–1939 English political writer and journalist Frank Wallace Galton serves as General Secretary of the Fabian Society. Todat, according to The Times, he was a liberal at heart rather than a socialist, and thought to be the model for the character of Henry Straker in George Bernard Shaw's play Man and Superman (1903).[8]
1923 Over twenty Fabians are elected to Parliament, with five Fabians in Ramsay MacDonald's first Labour cabinet. Clement Attlee, a future prime minister and Fabian, receives his first ministerial post during this time.[5]
1931 The independent New Fabian Research Bureau is created as the brainchild of G. D. H. Cole, setting the scene for much of the work of the 1945 Labour government before merging into the main society in 1938.[5]
1939 By this time, there are 6 local Fabian societies in the United Kingdom.[5]
1940 (October) The Fabian Society establishes the Fabian Colonial Bureau to facilitate research and debate British colonial policy.[9]
1945 229 members of the Fabian Society are elected to Parliament of the United Kingdom at the 1945 general election.[5]
1945 By this time, there are 120 local Fabian societies accross the United Kingdom.[5]
1960 The Young Fabian group is founded, becoming a significant networking and discussion organization for Labour Party activists under the age of 31. It would play a role in the 1994 election of Tony Blair as Labour Leader.[4]
1979 The Fabian Society encounters significant challenges amidst Labour disputes. A pivotal moment unfolds when Shirley Williams, serving as the chair, joins the Social Democratic Party (SDP), triggering a crisis in the society's affiliation with the Labour party. Despite these setbacks, the society manages to recover and plays a vital role in facilitating debates within the Labour party, particularly in the aftermath of the electoral defeat in 1983.[5]
1992 Publication T Fabian Society publishes Southern Discomfort, revealing the attitudes of key swing voters in the South of England whose support Labour must gain if it is to win again.[10]
1997 Labour comes to office. Since then, the Fabian Society becomes a forum for New Labour ideas and for critical approaches from across the party.[4]
2000 The Fabian Society Tax Commission of 2000 plays a crucial role in influencing the Labour government's policy on a significant public tax increase, specifically the National Insurance rise to fund NHS spending. Recommendations, including a new top rate of income tax, impact economic policy discussions.[4]
2004 The Fabian Society's annual report shows 5,810 individual members, with 1,010 belonging to the Young Fabians. The society maintains affiliations with various institutions, including Constituency Labour Parties, co-operative societies, trade unions, libraries, and corporations.[4]
2005 After a period of inactivity, the Scottish Young Fabians is reformed.[4]
2008 (February 14) Criticism In an article published in The Guardian (following the apology offered by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the "stolen generations"), Geoffrey Robertson criticizes Fabian socialists for providing the intellectual justification for the eugenics policy that led to the stolen generations scandal.[11][12]
2008-10 Sadiq Khan serves as Chairman of the Fabian Society.
2009 Making a speech in the United States, the British MP George Galloway denounced the Fabian Society for its failure to support the uprising of Easter 1916 in Dublin during which an Irish Republic was proclaimed.[13]
2010 The Fabian Society enters a new era, after the fall of the Labour government and the election of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.[5]
2015 The role of the Fabian Society as a pluralist, non-factional forum within the Labour movement comes to the fore after the 2015 election and the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader.[5]
2016 As of date, the Fabian Society has about 7,000 members.[14]
2018 Recognition The Fabian Society is rated as "broadly transparent" in its funding by Transparify.[15]
2019 (June) The Fabian Society reaches 7,136 individual members.[16]
2019 Recognition The Fabian Society is given an A grade for funding transparency by Who Funds You?.[17]
2020 The Fabian Society’s membership increases to an all time high of over 8,000, including 16 members of the shadow cabinet, and the society goes as close to the heart of Labour policy thinking as at any time in its history.[5]

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References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 "The Fabian Society in Late Victorian Britain". victorianweb.org. Retrieved 1 October 2022. 
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.57 2.58 2.59 2.60 2.61 2.62 2.63 2.64 2.65 2.66 2.67 2.68 2.69 2.70 2.71 2.72 2.73 2.74 2.75 2.76 2.77 2.78 2.79 2.80 2.81 2.82 2.83 2.84 2.85 2.86 2.87 2.88 2.89 2.90 2.91 2.92 Pease, Edward R. (23 April 2019). The History of the Fabian Society. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-429-60317-4. 
  3. ↑ Briggs, Julia (23 September 2004). "Bland, Hubert (1855–1914), journalist and politician". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/47683. 
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 "Fabian Society - New World Encyclopedia". www.newworldencyclopedia.org. Retrieved 2 October 2022. 
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 "Our History". Fabians. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
  6. ↑ Ed. Shaw, George Bernard (1 January 1889). "Fabian Essays in Socialism". amazon.com. Walter Scott. Retrieved 7 March 2024. 
  7. ↑ "History". web.archive.org. 7 December 2006. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
  8. ↑ "Mr. F.W. Galton", The Times, 12 April 1952, p. 8.
  9. ↑ "Collection: Papers of the Fabian Colonial Bureau | Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts". archives.bodleian.ox.ac.uk. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
  10. ↑ Radice, Giles; Pollard, Stephen (1993). More Southern Discomfort: A Year on -- Taxing and Spending. Fabian Society. ISBN 978-0-7163-0560-6. 
  11. ↑ Geoffrey Robertson (13 February 2008). "We should say sorry, too". The Guardian. London. 
  12. ↑ L.J. Ray (1983). "Eugenics, Mental Deficiency and Fabian Socialism between the Wars". Oxford Review of Education. 9 (3): 213–22. doi:10.1080/0305498830090305. 
  13. ↑ pas1888 (29 December 2009). "George Galloway Easter Rising 1916" – via YouTube. 
  14. ↑ Annual Report 2016 (PDF) (Report). Fabian Society. 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
  15. ↑ "Round-Up of Transparify 2018 Ratings". Transparify. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
  16. ↑ Annual Report 2019 (PDF) (Report). Fabian Society. 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
  17. ↑ "Fabian Society | Who Funds You?". whofundsyou.org. Retrieved 31 August 2022. 
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