Who wrote "The Communist Manifesto" and what is its main idea?

The correct answer highlights the collaboration between Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in authoring "The Communist Manifesto," which was published in 1848. The main idea of the manifesto revolves around the concept of class struggle and the need for a revolutionary movement to overthrow the capitalist system. Marx and Engels argue that throughout history, societies have been characterized by conflicts between classes, namely the bourgeoisie (the ruling capitalist class) and the proletariat (the working class). They contend that the exploitation and inequalities inherent in capitalism would ultimately lead to its downfall and the rise of socialism, culminating in a classless society.

Understanding this context is crucial as it situates "The Communist Manifesto" within the broader discourse of political philosophy and economic theory during the 19th century. The work critiqued existing capitalist structures and called for collective action among workers, emphasizing the need for solidarity in their struggles against oppression. This emphasis on class struggle and revolution is a defining feature of Marxist theory, making it the core message of the manifesto.