The Völkisch Movement was a German nationalist and ethnic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It emphasized the importance of a shared national identity based on common ancestry, culture, and language. The movement often romanticized rural life and sought to revive traditional customs, viewing them as essential to the German spirit. The Völkisch Movement played a significant role in shaping nationalist ideologies in Germany, influencing groups like the Nazi Party. It promoted ideas of racial purity and anti-Semitism, contributing to the social and political climate that led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the events of World War II.