Philosopher, Frederick Hegell, was a great influence on Marx. Although he died before Marx began studying philosophy, Marx became interested in his ideas, particularly those arguing that humanity progresses through conflict, revolution, and war and that these conflicts take place between the oppressed and their oppressors.
Hegel argued that reason itself constantly evolved throughout history, moving toward the consciousness of liberty. He didn't believe in the immortality of the soul, and he suggested that God lived only in humans as a world-spirit.
Marx for Beginners