The famous author of "The Communist Manifesto" was Karl Marx. Published in 1848, the manifesto provided a critical analysis of capitalism and outlined the theory of class struggle, advocating for the working class to rise against the bourgeoisie. Co-written with Friedrich Engels, the document emphasizes the idea that history is driven by socioeconomic forces and that the proletariat should unite to overthrow capitalist oppression. The manifesto has had a profound influence on political thought, inspiring various socialist and communist movements worldwide and sparking debates about class, labor, and economic systems that continue to this day.