Development of Communist Theory If neither Marx or Engels never lived and written the books they did, former Soviet Union and China would probably be conducting their governmental systems in a different manner. Defined by Marx and Engels, the communist theory can be summed up in the single phrase: abolition of private property (Engels, Marx 80). Communists are distinguished by the lower working class which will rise to overthrow the higher supreme class (Engels, Marx 80). The second distinction can be found in the struggle of the proletariats against the Bourgeoisie, or the higher class (Engels, Marx 80). Ma