How did historical materialism explain changes in society?

Historical materialism, a theory associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, posits that the economic structure of society—the "mode of production"—serves as the foundation for all social, political, and intellectual life.12

According to this theory, society changes through the following process:

• Economic Foundation: The "material forces of production" (tools, raw materials, and labor) and the "social relations of production" (the organization of labor) constitute the real basis of society.32
• The Superstructure: Legal, political, and religious institutions, as well as social consciousness, form a "superstructure" that rises from and reflects this economic base.42
• The Motor of History: Social change occurs when the material forces of production evolve, creating contradictions with the existing relations of production. As these institutions cease to reflect the current economic reality, they must adapt or be replaced by more advanced systems.12
• Class Struggle: This process is driven by conflict, as new economic developments often empower new classes—such as the proletariat—who eventually challenge the existing social order.13