The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, with its thesis that history is a struggle between the haves and have-nots, achieved great fame and notoriety in the 19th century.
It was published in February 1848, one month after the outbreak of revolution in France and a few weeks before the beginning of revolutionary unrest in Germany. Its publication was greeted with indignation by the bourgeoisie, who considered it an attack upon existing society. The rulers of Prussia, Austria, Russia and most other European countries outlawed the book or announced their intention to do so. Yet thousands of copies were sold and millions learned about its contents from secondary sources.
It was one of the most influential political documents of the 19th century. Through its ideas—that is, through Marxist ideology—the Manifesto influenced many thinkers and events over several decades: it inspired workers’ movements throughout Europe; it played an important role in shaping the policies of Russian revolutionaries; it led to the founding of Communist parties all over the world. The Communist Manifesto became a symbol for all those who hated capitalism and wanted to change society by revolution.
The text is largely credited as being responsible for bringing about a new interpretation of class struggle, class consciousness, and historical development. The influence that it has exerted on modern socialism and political thinking can hardly be overestimated.
