Karl Marx

Karl Marx
Born	5 May 1818
Died	14 March 1883
Nationality	German
Occupation	Philosopher; economist; political theorist; journalist
Known for	Critique of capitalism; historical materialism
Notable work	The Communist Manifesto; Das Kapital

Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German philosopher, economist, and political theorist whose work profoundly influenced political thought, economics, and social theory. He is best known for his critique of capitalism and for his analysis of class relations and historical change.

Marx’s ideas became foundational to later socialist and communist movements and continue to shape debates about economic systems and social inequality.

Early life and education

Karl Marx was born in Trier, in what is now Germany, in 1818. He studied law, philosophy, and history at German universities, where he was influenced by classical philosophy and contemporary political debates.

During his studies, Marx became increasingly critical of existing political and economic structures.

Intellectual development

Marx’s early work engaged with German philosophy, particularly the ideas of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. He later rejected idealism in favor of a materialist approach that emphasized economic and social conditions as drivers of historical change.

This shift marked the foundation of his later theoretical framework.

Political economy

Marx devoted much of his work to analyzing capitalism. In Das Kapital, he examined production, labor, value, and profit, arguing that capitalist systems are characterized by exploitation and structural inequality.

He viewed economic relations as central to understanding social and political institutions.

Historical materialism

Marx developed a theory of history centered on material conditions and class struggle. According to this view, historical change results from conflicts between social classes arising from economic organization.

This approach became known as historical materialism.

Political activity

Marx was actively involved in political movements and collaborated with Friedrich Engels. Together, they authored The Communist Manifesto, which outlined a critique of capitalism and called for revolutionary social change.

His political activities led to periods of exile across Europe.

Later life

Marx spent his later years in London, continuing his research and writing under difficult financial conditions. He died in 1883.

Legacy

Karl Marx’s work has had enduring influence across philosophy, economics, sociology, and political theory. His ideas inspired political movements, state systems, and extensive scholarly debate.

Marx remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern intellectual history.