The Social Democratic Federation

The Social Democratic Federation (SDF) was a British political group founded in 1881 that aimed to promote socialism and workers’ rights through reform and political participation. It sought to transition society toward greater equality by advocating for improved working conditions, public ownership of key industries, and democratic control of the economy. The SDF was one of the first organizations to combine socialist ideas with parliamentary politics in the UK, emphasizing gradual change rather than revolution. It played an important role in developing the socialist movement and influenced later socialist and labor parties in Britain.