The Surrealist Movement emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Europe, as a cultural and artistic response to the horrors of World War I. It sought to challenge conventional perceptions of reality by exploring the unconscious mind, dreams, and the irrational. Artists and writers aimed to create works that transcended logical thought, often using unexpected juxtapositions and bizarre imagery. Key figures in the movement included André Breton, who wrote the Surrealist Manifesto, and artists like Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst. Their works often featured dreamlike scenes and fantastical elements, encouraging viewers to question reality and embrace the absurd.