Who was Karl Marx, and what was his critique of capitalism?

Karl Marx was a philosopher and economist known primarily for his critique of capitalism, which he argued systematically exploited the working class, or proletariat, to benefit the ruling class, or bourgeoisie. Marx posited that capitalism inherently leads to unequal power dynamics and class struggles, as the capitalists accumulate wealth through the surplus value created by the labor of workers who do not receive a fair share of the profit generated by their efforts. His foundational work, "The Communist Manifesto," outlines his belief that the disparity between the classes would ultimately lead to social upheaval and the overthrow of capitalism, promoting a transition toward socialism and eventually communism. In this context, Marx's critique was not only an economic analysis but also a call for political action, emphasizing the need for the working class to become aware of their oppression and unite against capitalist exploitation.