The 1944 Founding and the First Use of 'Vegan'
In November 1944, British woodworker Donald Watson and five others, who identified as non-dairy vegetarians, decided to form a new society. They felt a need for a distinct term to differentiate themselves from the Vegetarian Society, which permitted the consumption of eggs and dairy. Watson coined the term "vegan" by using the first and last letters of "vegetarian," symbolizing what he called "the beginning and end of vegetarianism". This new word was introduced in the first edition of their newsletter, The Vegan News. The creation of the term aimed to establish a clearer ethical stance. While initially focused on diet, the philosophy quickly broadened. By 1951, The Vegan Society defined veganism as "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals," cementing its identity as an ethical movement beyond just diet.
The Pioneers Behind the Vegan Movement
Donald Watson is widely recognized for coining the term, but several other early members of The Vegan Society played crucial roles in establishing the movement. {Link: Velivery https://www.velivery.com/en/vegan-personality-en/donald-watson-a-life-dedicated-to-veganism.html} provides information about Donald Watson's role.
- Donald Watson: Coined the term, founded the society, served as the first editor of The Vegan News, and was its president. His experience witnessing a pig slaughter solidified his commitment to animal-free living.
- Dorothy Morgan: Watson's future wife and active participant in the early movement, also credited with contributing to the term's creation.
- Elsie Shrigley: A co-founder who researched animal-free products and held official roles in the society.
- Fay K. Henderson: A founding member known for public education through lectures and demonstrations, and author of an early vegan cookbook.
Veganism's Philosophical Evolution Since 1944
The ethical basis for avoiding animal products predates the term "vegan" by over 2,000 years. Progressive thinkers like physician William Lambe argued in 1815 for the abandonment of dairy alongside meat, viewing them as part of the same exploitative system. Vegetarian societies emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with figures like Mahatma Gandhi advocating for vegetarianism on moral grounds. The official separation and naming of veganism by Watson and his colleagues in 1944 marked the formal recognition of this comprehensive approach.
Modern Expansion and Contemporary Veganism
Following its founding, the vegan movement gained traction globally. Early societies formed in other countries. The counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s and later research highlighting health and environmental benefits further fueled interest.
The Rise of Animal Rights Activism
- 1951: Veganism's definition expands to include all animal exploitation.
- 1980s: Veganism connects with punk subcultures.
- 2010s: Social media propels veganism into the mainstream.
- 2020s: Environmental concerns boost interest in veganism.
Comparison of Early and Contemporary Veganism
| Feature | Early Veganism (Mid-20th Century) | Contemporary Veganism (21st Century) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motivation | Primarily dietary ethics, distinguishing non-dairy vegetarians. | Diverse, including ethics, animal rights, environmental concerns, health. |
| Scope | Focused mainly on avoiding meat, dairy, eggs. | Broad lifestyle avoiding all animal exploitation (leather, wool, cosmetics, etc.). |
| Accessibility | Limited to a small group with specific resources. | Highly accessible with many products, online communities, and resources. |
| Public Perception | Seen as niche, radical, or misunderstood. | Increasingly mainstream, healthy, and environmentally conscious. |
| Definition | Evolved from a dietary practice to an ethical principle against exploitation by 1951. | Established as a philosophy and way of living, with diet as a core part. |
Conclusion
The term "vegan" was created by Donald Watson in 1944 to provide a clear identity for those abstaining from all animal products within the vegetarian movement. Starting as a dietary label for a small British group, it quickly grew into a wide-ranging ethical philosophy opposing all animal exploitation. Its journey to mainstream status reflects growing awareness of animal welfare, environment, and health. The history of veganism is a testament to a movement that has significantly altered perspectives on our relationship with animals.
Explore more about the history of The Vegan Society here.
What Year Was the Term Vegan First Used? Key Takeaways
- Year of Origin: The term 'vegan' was first used in 1944 by Donald Watson.
- Etymology: Watson coined the word from 'vegetarian' to distinguish non-dairy vegetarians.
- Founding of The Vegan Society: The term defined the new society formed by Watson and others.
- Initial Focus: Early focus was on diet.
- Philosophical Expansion: By 1951, the definition included broader opposition to animal exploitation.
