The American Fabian Movement

Abstract

American Fabian socialism was established in what seemed to be propitious circumstances. Its inauguration occurred in a period that had produced a proliferation of populist ideas; it had the example of more than a decade of practice by its English predecessor and model; its leaders included men of capacity and enthusiasm. But in spite of these advantages, American Fabian endured for less than a decade. It is the purpose of this article to examine the development of this movement and to assess the reasons that contributed to the brevity of its existence.