Why did gustave courbet start in the 19th century art movement known as realism?

Gustave Courbet started the Realism movement in the 19th century as a reaction against the Romanticism and academic art of his time, seeking to depict everyday life and ordinary people with authenticity and honesty. He believed that art should represent the real world and the struggles of the working class, emphasizing the importance of individual experience. Courbet's bold, unidealized portrayals challenged traditional artistic conventions and aimed to address social issues, setting a foundation for later movements such as Impressionism. His famous works, like "The Stone Breakers," exemplified his commitment to this new artistic vision.