Who is recognized as the father of communism?

The recognition of Karl Marx as the father of communism stems from his foundational role in developing the theoretical framework of communist thought. Together with Friedrich Engels, Marx co-authored the "Communist Manifesto," which outlines the principles of communism and critiques the capitalist system. Marx's work primarily focused on the analysis of class struggles, historical materialism, and the issues of capitalism, which he believed would ultimately lead to the rise of a classless, stateless society.

His most significant theoretical contribution, "Das Kapital," further elaborates on the mechanisms of capitalism, including labor theory of value and surplus value, providing a critique of how capitalist societies function. Marx's ideas laid the groundwork for subsequent political movements and ideologies, making him a central figure in the history of political thought and the evolution of communist ideology. His intellectual legacy continues to influence debates on economics, politics, and social theory.