Sturm und Drang was a German literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, primarily between 1765 and 1785. It emphasized strong emotions, individualism, and a connection to nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment. The movement is characterized by its focus on the struggles of the human spirit and the importance of personal experience. Key figures of Sturm und Drang include writers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, who explored themes of passion, rebellion, and the conflict between societal norms and personal freedom. This movement laid the groundwork for later Romanticism, influencing literature, music, and art across Europe.