Abstract: In German revolution and counter-revolution, Engels used historical materialism to explain the basic problems of the German revolution in 1848, in which the complex bourgeois image was deeply exposed. The class character of the bourgeois shows contradiction and double-sidedness. Its class essence is represented by pursuing profits and the narrow class vision, making it progressive and limited in the overall characteristics, militant and compromise in the revolutionary will, speculative and isolated in the revolutionary position and passive and blind in the revolutionary strategy. Therefore, it is impossible to lead the people to liberation. Grasping the image of the bourgeoisie can deepen the understanding of many problems in the current ideological field. The core position of leadership of the Communist Party of China should be upheld and the foundamental people-centered position should be adhered. The patriotic united front in the new era should be consolidated and developed, and a clear-cut stand against historical nihilism should be taken.