Impressionism was an art movement that began in France in the 1860s in response to the strict rules and traditional themes demanded by the French Academy of Fine Arts. A group of artists rejected these standards and instead sought to capture fleeting moments and effects of light using visible brushstrokes, bright colors, and unconventional angles. While controversial at first, Impressionism revolutionized painting by bringing it into the modern era and focusing on everyday subjects over historical or religious themes. It had a significant influence on later artistic styles through its emphasis on individual expression and immersive sensory experiences.