Historical materialism is a theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that explains societal development through material conditions rather than ideas or ideals. It posits that the economic base of a society, including its means of production and class relations, fundamentally shapes its political and ideological superstructure. According to historical materialism, history progresses through a series of stages driven by class struggles, where the ruling class exploits the working class. This framework helps analyze how economic factors influence social change, leading to revolutions and shifts in power dynamics throughout history.