The notable figure known for writing the Communist Manifesto is Karl Marx. Co-authored with Friedrich Engels and published in 1848, this influential political pamphlet advocates for the principles of communism and critiques the capitalist system. Marx argued that history is driven by class struggles and that the proletariat (working class) would eventually overthrow the bourgeoisie (capitalist class). The ideas expressed in the manifesto had a significant impact on political thought worldwide and inspired various socialist movements over the following centuries.