Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines socialist thought in a somewhat more precise way than has been done in the past. It is hoped that it will add to the general appreciation of the variety and content of British socialist ideas. An important reappraisal of the theory and tactics of British socialism was therefore begun, only to be interrupted by the advent of the war. The book presents the study of British socialist thought in the period of the First World War for a number of reasons. To evaluate the effects of the First World War, one looks to British society on the eve of the conflict. It considers the effects of the war itself on these socialist thinkers and on the development and dissemination of their ideas. Once again, the distinction between socialism as a theory of society and as a theory of action is crucial.