What historical period is Karl Marx associated with?

Karl Marx is primarily associated with the 19th century, a period marked by significant industrial, political, and social changes. During this time, Marx developed his theories on capitalism, class struggle, and socialism, which were articulated in notable works such as "The Communist Manifesto" (1848) and "Das Kapital" (1867). His ideas arose in response to the profound economic transformations of the Industrial Revolution and the accompanying social upheaval, including the rise of the working class and the expansion of capitalist economies.

The 19th century was a time when many European nations were experiencing rapid industrial growth, which led to increased wealth for some and harsh working conditions for many others. Marx's critique of capitalism and his vision for a classless society profoundly influenced political thought and action, marking this period as significant in shaping modern socialism and communism.

In contrast, the other time periods mentioned—such as the 18th century and the Enlightenment—preceded Marx’s major contributions, whereas the 20th century reflects a later stage of Marxist thought and its global applications, rather than the origin of his ideas.