Volkisch movement

The Volkisch movement was a German cultural and political trend in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that emphasized national identity, traditional rural values, and often racial unity. It sought to preserve what they considered authentic German culture, opposing urbanization, Jewish influence, and foreign ideas. While initially focusing on cultural revival, some factions adopted exclusionary and nationalist views that later influenced extremist and fascist ideologies. The movement played a significant role in shaping nationalist sentiments in Germany, contributing to the social and political climate leading up to the rise of Nazi ideology.