Beatrice Webb

Question 1

Dates

Answer 1

1858-1943

Question 2

Why was she significant

Answer 2

Contributed to early democratic socialism

And it’s belief in gradualism

Question 3

How many principles was her socialism defined by

Answer 3

4

Question 4

Principle one

Answer 4

Capitalism= ‘Crippling poverty+ demeaning inequality’
A ‘corrupting force’ for humanity
Fosters ‘unnatural levels’ of selfishness

Question 5

Principle two

Answer 5

Paternalism+philanthropy not sustainable solutions to poverty+ inequality

Question 6

Principle three

Answer 6

Poverty+ inequality solved by trade unionism+extensive state intervention

Question 7

Principle four

Answer 7

Effective reform=gradual rather than revolutionary

Question 8

Which society did she become active in

Answer 8

Fabian society

Organisation committed to evolutionary socialism through reforms in Westminster

Question 9

What was Webb instrumental in

Answer 9

Fabians decision to align wi Labour Party
Involved in drafting clause IV of labours 1918 constitution (committed lab to common ownership)
Use current political system to ensure this goal

Question 10

Between 1905-1909 what did Webb serve on

Answer 10

Royal commission that examined state approach to poverty
Her minority report argued nourishment+ training when young, treatment when sick etc
Contributed to Beveridge report 1942

Question 11

What did Webb’s view therefor pre date

Answer 11

Agenda of democratic socialist gov

And emergence of welfare state

Question 12

human nature summary

Answer 12

damage from capitalism on psyche can only be made worse by violent revolution
humans need guiding back to co-operative condition

Question 13

the state summary

Answer 13

existing state used to effect gradual transition to socialism

Question 14

society summary

Answer 14

poverty+inequality of capitalist society depress human potential

Question 15

economy summary

Answer 15

chaotic capitalist economy replaced by one which based on common ownership of means of production