Marx's theory of history, in which the development of productive forces drives change in economic structures, and economic structures largely explain legal and political institutions.
In more detail
The canonical statement is the Preface to A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy (1859): relations of production correspond to a stage of development of the productive forces, and when they fetter that development an era of social revolution begins. G. A. Cohen reconstructed the theory with a 'primacy thesis' and functional explanation. Critics argue that it underrates the independent role of politics, ideas and institutions, while defenders treat it as a research programme rather than a mechanical law.