Introduction:
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels were two influential philosophers, economists, and social theorists who co-authored the famous political pamphlet "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848. They are considered the pioneers of the communist ideology and are credited with giving birth to the idea of a communist society.

Background:
During the 19th century, Europe was undergoing massive social and economic changes due to industrialization. The working class, or proletariat, faced harsh working conditions, exploitation, and poverty while a small bourgeoisie class controlled the means of production and accumulated wealth. This stark social inequality and the exploitation of the working class led Marx and Engels to analyze and critique the prevailing capitalist system.

The Communist Manifesto:
In "The Communist Manifesto," Marx and Engels presented their analysis of the capitalist system and proposed a revolutionary solution to the social and economic problems it created. They argued that the capitalist system inherently creates class struggle and that the proletariat should rise against the bourgeoisie to establish a communist society.

Key Points:
1. Class Struggle: Marx and Engels believed that throughout history, societies have been divided into classes based on the ownership of the means of production. They identified the ongoing class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat as a defining characteristic of capitalism.

2. Exploitation of the Proletariat: They argued that the bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat by extracting surplus value from their labor. The workers are paid wages that are significantly lower than the value they produce, leading to the accumulation of wealth in the hands of the bourgeoisie.

3. Communist Society: Marx and Engels envisioned a communist society where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the proletariat. In such a society, class distinctions would be abolished, and wealth would be distributed equitably.

4. Revolutionary Change: They advocated for a revolutionary overthrow of the capitalist system by the proletariat. They believed that only through a violent revolution could the working class establish a communist society and seize control of the means of production.

Conclusion:
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' idea of a communist society emerged as a response to the social inequalities and exploitation inherent in the capitalist system. Their analysis of class struggle and their proposal for a revolutionary overthrow of the bourgeoisie laid the foundation for the development of communist ideologies and movements worldwide. Their work continues to shape political and economic discourse, making them significant figures in the history of social theory.