"The history of all previous societies has been the history of class struggles"

Karl Marx's quote "The history of all previous societies has been the history of class battles" is a reflection of his belief that class dispute is a basic feature of all societies. Marx argued that the struggle in between the classes is an outcome of the unequal circulation of resources and power. He thought that the ruling class, or bourgeoisie, exploits the working class, or proletariat, for their own gain. This exploitation results in a struggle in between the classes, as the proletariat looks for to gain more power and resources. Marx argued that this battle is inevitable and will continue up until the proletariat has the ability to overthrow the bourgeoisie and develop a more equitable society. This quote is a reflection of Marx's belief that class battle is an intrinsic part of all societies which it is needed for the proletariat to eliminate for their rights in order to develop a more simply society.