Full Idea
The history of all existing society is the history of class struggles.
Gist of Idea
The history of all existing society is the history of class struggles
Source
K Marx / F Engels (The Communist Manifesto [1848], §1)
Book Reference
Marx,K./Engels,F.: 'The Communist Manifesto', ed/tr. Taylor,A.J.P. [Penguin 1973], p.79
A Reaction
This seems to make, say, the English Peasants' Revolt of 1481 crucial, and the building of Lincoln Cathedral fairly minor. Where does the advent of the telephone figure? Etc. Still, we must concede his point. Most medieval history is about power.