Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German philosopher, economist, and political theorist who profoundly influenced the course of history with his revolutionary ideas. Born in Trier, Prussia, Marx, in collaboration with Friedrich Engels, authored The Communist Manifesto and later produced his seminal work, Das Kapital. A visionary thinker, Marx's theories laid the foundation for modern communism and offered a critical analysis of capitalism, highlighting issues of class struggle, economic inequality, and the role of the state. Despite controversy and varied interpretations, Marx's impact on social, political, and economic thought has been enduring, shaping the discourse on societal structures and inspiring movements for social change around the world.

Friedrich Engels (1820–1895) was a German philosopher and co-author of The Communist Manifesto alongside Karl Marx. Born in Barmen, Prussia, Engels played a crucial role in shaping Marxist theory. His works, including The Condition of the Working Class in England, explored class struggles and historical materialism. As a committed socialist, Engels contributed significantly to the foundations of modern communist thought, leaving a lasting impact on political philosophy and social theory.