The German Ideology

Historical Context and Significance

«The German Ideology» by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is one of the key works in which the authors develop a materialist understanding of history and critique the idealistic philosophy of their time. Written in 1845-1846, this work was not published during the authors' lifetimes but had a significant impact on the development of Marxist theory. In «The German Ideology», Marx and Engels formulate the concept of historical materialism, asserting that the material conditions of life and economic relations determine the development of society and its ideologies. This book played an important role in shaping Marxist philosophy and political theory, becoming a foundation for further research and revolutionary movements. It also influenced the development of sociology, political science, and cultural criticism, offering a new perspective on the interaction between economy, society, and ideology.