Marx, Karl (1818-1883)/Engels, Friedrich (1820-1895) - German Socialists who together are the fathers of Communism. Because of their beliefs, both spent most of their lives outside Germany. Engels edited Marx’s work and gave him credit for the theories behind their collaborations. Communist Manifesto (1848) - Often referred to as the Worker’s Declaration of Independence, this is the classic document of Communism. It envisions a classless society in which personal property will be abolished.