"The Communist Manifesto," written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, presents the principles of communism and critiques capitalism. The manifesto argues that class struggle is the driving force of history and advocates for the overthrow of capitalist systems through revolution. Marx and Engels explore the exploitation of the working class, or proletariat, by the bourgeoisie, emphasizing the need for collective ownership and the establishment of a classless society. The manifesto has since become a foundation for communist theory and movements globally.