Between Social Reform and the Balkans The Portrait of Noel Buxton (1869–1948)

Abstract

In the last decades there has been a growing body of literature on the Eastern Question which emphasize the importance of those networks and pressure groups which were deeply involved in the political, cultural or economic aspects of the Eastern Question. The Balkan Committee was one of these groups at the turn of the 20th century. The founder of the organization, Noel Buxton was a keen supporter of Balkan self-governance and an ardent advocate of social reform in Great Britain. Relying mainly on his personal papers, this article seeks to outline the key motives of Buxton’s life which inspired him to champion the cause of subaltern social classes and nationalities both home and abroad.