The basic principle of Marxist theory is rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who laid the foundation for communism and socialism. The theory is based on the belief that society is divided into classes, with the ruling class exploiting the working class. According to Marxism, this exploitation leads to inequality, oppression, and social conflicts. The ultimate goal of Marxist theory is to create a classless society where all individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities.

**Historical Materialism:**
- Marxist theory is based on the concept of historical materialism, which argues that the development of society is driven by the material conditions of production, such as technology and resources.
- According to Marx, the history of society can be divided into different stages, such as primitive communism, slave society, feudalism, capitalism, and socialism. He believed that capitalism would eventually be replaced by socialism and then communism.

**Class Struggle:**
- One of the central ideas of Marxism is the concept of class struggle. Marx argued that throughout history, societies have been characterized by conflicts between different social classes.
- In capitalist societies, the bourgeoisie (the capitalist class) exploits the proletariat (the working class) by extracting surplus value from their labor. This leads to economic inequality and social conflicts.

**Dialectical Materialism:**
- Marxist theory also incorporates the concept of dialectical materialism, which is a philosophical framework for understanding change and development.
- Dialectics emphasizes the interplay of contradictions and the transformation of society through a process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. This means that change occurs through the resolution of conflicting forces.

**The Role of the State:**
- According to Marxism, the state is a tool used by the ruling class to maintain their power and further their interests. The state represents the interests of the bourgeoisie and is used to enforce their control over the proletariat.
- Marxists argue that the state should be abolished or significantly transformed in order to achieve a classless society.

**Revolution and Socialism:**
- Marx believed that the only way to overthrow capitalism and establish socialism was through a revolution led by the proletariat.
- In a socialist society, the means of production would be collectively owned and controlled by the working class, ensuring that wealth and resources are distributed more equitably.
- Marx envisioned socialism as a transitional stage towards communism, where there would be no private property or social classes.

Overall, Marxist theory provides a framework for understanding the dynamics of capitalism and advocating for a more equitable and just society. It emphasizes the need for social change, class struggle, and the establishment of socialism as a means to achieve a classless society.

It assumes that the form of economic organization, or mode of production, influences all other social phenomena—including wider social relations, political institutions, legal systems, cultural systems, aesthetics, and ideologies. The economic system and these social relations form a base and superstructure.