The 20th century was the era of global socialist expansion. Following the Russian Revolution and the subsequent decolonization movements, socialist and communist ideologies became central to the political identity of many newly independent nations in the Global South. This period saw the establishment of various socialist-oriented states and revolutionary movements that sought to challenge colonial legacies and capitalist structures, distinguishing it from the industrial focus of the 19th century.

Marxism asserts that the state is inherently a class-based entity that arises from the division of society into antagonistic classes. It serves as a mechanism for the dominant economic class to enforce its will, protect private property, and maintain the existing social order. Therefore, the state's primary function is to perpetuate the power dynamics that favor the bourgeoisie over the proletariat.

In Marxist theory, the 'dictatorship of the proletariat' is a transitional phase following the revolution. During this period, the working class seizes state power to suppress the resistance of the bourgeoisie and reorganize the means of production. The state acts as an instrument for the proletariat to dismantle capitalist structures and establish a socialist society before the eventual 'withering away' of the state.

Marx's theory of historical materialism posits that the economic base of society, specifically the forces of production (technology, tools, and labor), determines the social, political, and intellectual superstructure. Changes in these forces inevitably lead to shifts in the relations of production, which drive historical change and societal evolution over time.

Karl Marx was born in Trier, which was then part of the Kingdom of Prussia, a major state within the German Confederation. His intellectual development and early political activities were deeply rooted in the German philosophical tradition, particularly the works of Hegel and the Young Hegelians.

The ultimate goal of Marx's theory was the establishment of a classless society. By eliminating the division between the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (wage laborers), Marx envisioned a future where social conflict based on economic status would cease to exist. In this society, the exploitation of one human by another would be eradicated, allowing for the full development of human potential in a communal setting.

Karl Marx emphasized the interconnectedness of individuals and society, arguing that our very being is shaped by social interactions. This quote highlights his belief that both our actions and our thoughts are inherently social products, reflecting his materialist conception of history where social relations determine consciousness.

Karl Marx is the foundational theorist of scientific socialism and communism, which fundamentally critiques the liberal capitalist order. While thinkers like Laski, MacIver, and Bentham contributed to various strands of liberal or utilitarian thought, Marx's work focuses on class struggle and the abolition of private property, placing him outside the liberal tradition.

Marxist theory posits that history is driven by material conditions and the evolution of productive forces rather than the whims of individuals. While 'great men' may appear to shape history, Marx argued that they are products of their specific socio-economic environment. Their actions are enabled by the historical circumstances of their time, meaning the era creates the individual, not the other way around.

Private property is widely criticized in political theory, particularly by socialist and Marxist thinkers, for creating and exacerbating class divisions. Therefore, the claim that private property has 'checked' or prevented the division of society into classes is factually incorrect. Historically, the accumulation of private property has been a primary driver of social stratification, separating those who own the means of production from those who do not.