The Fabian Society was a British political organization founded in 1884 that aimed to gradually transition Britain into a socialist society through peaceful and democratic means. It was composed of middle class intellectuals like Sidney and Beatrice Webb, George Bernard Shaw, and H.G. Wells. The Fabians believed that competitive capitalism was no longer useful, a careful transition to socialism was necessary and practical, and that unlimited democracy in politics coupled with socialism in economics was needed. They promoted ideals like greater equality, collective action, accountable democracy, human rights, and sustainable international cooperation.

1. “Fabians”
Roman General
Fabius Maximus
British Political Organization
1884 Aim ：gradually
changing Britain in
to a Socialist society.
gradual, peaceful approach
“Gas and Water”
Middle class
intellectuals:
the Webbs (Sidney
& Beatrice),
G.B. Shaw,
H.G. Wells,
Annie Besant
'wolf in sheep’s clothing'

2. Their principles
Their Program
 Competitive capitalism has outlived its
usefulness
 Careful and gradual transition to
socialism was both necessary and
practical
 Unlimited democracy in the political
sphere
 Socialism in the economic sphere

3. It aims to promote :
 greater equality of power,
wealth and opportunity;
 the value of collective action
and public service;
 an accountable, tolerant and
active democracy;
 citizenship, liberty and human
rights;
 sustainable development;
 multilateral international
cooperation

4. George Bernard Shaw(1856-1950)
 Irish playwright, critic, political activist , Nobel
Prize winner
 Superman (1902), Pygmalion (1912) and Saint
Joan.
 Joined Fabian Society in 1884.
 “You were fed, clothed, housed, employed
whether you liked it or not!!!! ”
 the abolition of private property, radical
changes in the voting system, the simplification
of spelling, and the reform of the English
alphabet.

5. 1892, Widowers' Houses

6. Pygmalion (1913)