Friedrich Engels - The Shadow of Karl Marx

Friedrich Engels, often overshadowed by Karl Marx, played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of Marxist theory. Born into a wealthy industrialist family, Engels witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of capitalist exploitation, which fueled his intellectual partnership with Marx. Their collaboration resulted in seminal works like "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital," laying the groundwork for socialist and communist movements worldwide. Engels's own contributions, including "The Condition of the Working Class in England," provided vital empirical support for their critique of capitalism, while his financial support enabled Marx to continue his research. Beyond his intellectual contributions, Engels also played a key role in organizing and promoting the international socialist movement after Marx's death, ensuring the survival and spread of Marxist ideas.