Karl Marx believed the study of history was: of Class conflict also known as class warfare or class struggle. Class conflict is the difference between classes in a community. It is the tension or antagonism which exists within the community due to (social/economic) positions and their reflected opposed/ different interests. It comes down to different opinions and thoughts from different groups of people based on their race, gender, age and financial differences. Marx thought if he could figure this out he would better understand history!