All history has been a history of class struggles between dominated classes at various stages of social development.

Friedrich Engels’ quote, "All history has been a history of class struggles between dominated classes at various stages of social development," reflects a central tenet of Marxist theory, which emphasizes the role of class conflict in shaping historical progress. Engels is arguing that throughout history, the fundamental driving force behind social change has been the tension and conflict between the ruling and dominated classes. Whether in feudal societies, capitalist economies, or other social systems, these class struggles have been the primary mechanism of societal development.

Engels suggests that social development cannot be fully understood without recognizing the dynamics between the oppressors and the oppressed. From ancient times to the modern era, various forms of economic and political systems have perpetuated the dominance of a few over the many, resulting in struggle for power, rights, and resources. According to Engels, this conflict is not incidental but a historical constant, shaping the structure and evolution of all societies.

The origins of this perspective lie in Engels’ collaboration with Karl Marx in developing Marxist theory, which asserts that the economic base of society—how wealth is produced and distributed—determines its political and social structure. Engels, like Marx, viewed class struggles as the driving force behind the development of human societies, culminating in the idea of a classless, stateless society in the future. This view positions economic systems and the distribution of power as crucial factors in understanding history.

Engels’ quote is a call to recognize how historical narratives are often shaped by those in power, and how the struggles of marginalized groups have historically been overlooked or suppressed. It underscores the materialist view of history, which sees class conflict as the engine of historical progress. The origin of this thought comes from Engels and Marx’s work, particularly in their analysis of capitalist societies in works like The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital.