The Communist Party is a political organization that advocates for the principles of communism, a system where the means of production are owned collectively. It aims to create a classless society where wealth and resources are distributed according to need, rather than individual wealth accumulation. The party often seeks to achieve its goals through revolutionary means and has been influential in various countries, notably in the establishment of the Soviet Union. Founded in the 19th century, the Communist Party has various branches worldwide, each adapting its ideology to local conditions. Key figures in its history include Karl Marx, whose writings laid the foundation for communist theory, and Vladimir Lenin, who led the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The party has faced criticism for its authoritarian practices in some nations, leading to debates about its effectiveness and moral implications.