Fabian Society founded in London

Background. The society emerged from the Fellowship of the New Life, a forebear of British ethical movements. It adopted a gradualist approach to social democracy, rejecting revolutionary overthrow. The name honored Quintus Fabius Maximus, the 'Delayer', reflecting the group's preference for slow, imperceptible transition to socialism.

Founding Members. The Fabian Society had nine founding members: Frank Podmore, Edward R. Pease, William Clarke, Hubert Bland, Percival Chubb, Frederick Keddell, Henry Hyde Champion, E. Nesbit and Rosamund Dale Owen. Havelock Ellis is sometimes also mentioned as a tenth founding member, although there is some question about this. Immediately upon its inception the society began attracting prominent contemporary figures drawn to its socialist cause, including George Bernard Shaw, who recalled being swept into the great socialist revival of 1883, in which he said five sixths of those converted had been converted by Henry George.

Symbolism. The society's logo was a tortoise, representing its gradualist methodology. Its coat of arms originally featured a 'wolf in sheep's clothing', symbolizing its preferred approach to achieving goals. This symbolism was later abandoned due to negative connotations, reflecting the society's evolving public image.