Karl Marx was a 19th century philosopher who developed the theories of communism and socialism. He believed that capitalism inevitably leads to conflict between the bourgeoisie (the owners of capital) and the proletariat (workers). This will culminate in revolution and the establishment of a socialist dictatorship of the proletariat, followed by a stateless, classless communist society. Marx outlined the historical stages from primitive communism to capitalism to socialism to communism. He argued capitalism concentrates wealth among the few and alienates workers, but is a necessary step toward the ultimate liberation of humanity under communism.