"Interestingly, in the UK, the philanthopy of the 18th and 19th centuries that improved workers' conditions and began the educational revolution that led to the foundation of the ideals of Socialism, were largely assisted by Capitalists putting wealth created from capitalist activities into "good works." "

Ah, but how did the capitalists get the money in the first place? That's right, by screwing the workers - long hours, child labour, unsafe working conditions - and then their 'charity' was riddled with conditions such as attending church, not drinking, do what your betters tell you. A quick dip into the works of Dickens will show you what things were really like.

If you're looking for true socilist ideals go back to the 1640s. Read what Lilburne, Overton, Walwyn, Winstanley etc. wrote. The practical application of thse priciples was, of course, soon stamped on the by those who owned the land and, therefore, had the power - a commonwealth in name only.