Yugoslavia year 1964 Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels stamps set

Yugoslavia year 1964 Karl Marx & F. Engels

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels were two of the most influential figures in the development of socialist and communist theory. Together, they co-authored the “Communist Manifesto,” which was published in 1848 and remains one of the most important political texts in history.

Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German philosopher, economist, and political theorist. He is best known for his critique of capitalism and his theory of historical materialism, which argues that the history of society is shaped by conflicts between social classes. Marx believed that capitalism, with its inherent contradictions and exploitation of the working class, would eventually lead to its own downfall, to be replaced by a classless society based on common ownership of the means of production.

Friedrich Engels (1820–1895) was a German philosopher, social scientist, and businessman. He was a close friend and collaborator of Marx, and together they developed many of the foundational ideas of Marxism. Engels provided financial support to Marx and his family and co-authored several works with him, including “The Communist Manifesto” and “Das Kapital.”

Marx and Engels’ ideas had a profound impact on the course of history, inspiring socialist and communist movements around the world. Their writings continue to be studied and debated by scholars, activists, and politicians, and their influence can be seen in various political movements and ideologies to this day.