ABSTRACT
Among the many societies for social reform, which came into existence in the years from 1870 to 1890, none has exercised so marked and beneficial an influence on educated public opinion and on legislation as the Fabian Society. The analogy between philosophical radicalism and the Fabian Society renders it easier to define the character of the latter. Owenite socialism was idyllic; Marxist socialism was revolutionary and theoretical; Fabian socialism is everyday politics for social regeneration. The philosophy which served Karl Marx in his analysis of capitalist society and in the mobilisation of the working class for socialism, consists of the labour-value theory with class warfare as the dynamic force. The socialism of Sidney Webb is based on the extension of the theory of rent and on the growth of the social conscience of the nation. It has just been stated that Sidney Webb must be regarded as the real pioneer of Fabianism.
