The "First International," officially known as the International Workingmen's Association (IWA), was founded in 1864 in London. It aimed to unite various socialist, communist, and labor groups across Europe and beyond to promote workers' rights and social justice. Key figures included Karl Marx, who played a significant role in its formation and development. The organization sought to address issues such as labor conditions, economic inequality, and political representation. However, internal conflicts and differing ideologies led to its decline, and it ultimately dissolved in 1876. Despite its short existence, the First International laid the groundwork for future labor movements and socialist organizations.