Communism, as a political ideology, has its historical origins in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, particularly in the "Communist Manifesto" published in 1848. Rooted in a critique of capitalism, communism advocates for a classless society where the means of production are collectively owned. Marx argued that history is driven by class struggles, ultimately leading to a revolution by the proletariat against the bourgeoisie. Over time, these ideas influenced global political movements, leading to the establishment of various socialist states, particularly in the 20th century.