The back-to-the-land movement emerged in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, encouraging people to leave urban areas and return to rural living. This movement was driven by a desire for self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and a simpler lifestyle. Many participants sought to reconnect with nature and traditional farming practices. Key figures in the movement included advocates of organic farming and alternative living, such as Wendell Berry and Helen and Scott Nearing. The movement also inspired the growth of communes and cooperatives, where individuals shared resources and responsibilities. Today, its influence can be seen in the rise of local food movements and sustainable agriculture.