Who claimed there would be a workers revolution leading to a socialist society?

The assertion that there would be a workers' revolution leading to a socialist society is primarily attributed to Marxists, who follow the ideas of Karl Marx. Marx theorized that the struggles between the working class (proletariat) and the ruling class (bourgeoisie) would ultimately lead to a revolutionary upheaval. This revolution was seen as a necessary step toward dismantling capitalism and establishing a society where the means of production are owned collectively, thereby creating a classless society.

In Marxist theory, the proletariat would rise up against their oppressors, leading to a transition through socialism before achieving full communism. This revolutionary perspective drastically influenced labor movements and socialist ideologies throughout history, asserting that the proletariat's growing dissatisfaction and organized movements would inevitably culminate in systemic change.

The other groups and entities mentioned do not primarily or notably advocate for such a radical transformation. Anarchists, for instance, might focus on abolishing the state altogether instead of promoting a structured socialist society through worker revolution. The Knights of Labor, while they sought to improve labor conditions, did not explicitly call for a revolution. The Pullman Company is a historical example of a corporation and not an ideological group, and it does not advocate for workers' revolutions.