The term Amish refers to an offshoot of the Mennonite Anabaptist denomination. The Amish reside mainly in the United States and parts of Canada. The Amish are known colloquially as "Pennsylvania Dutch," although the "Dutch" appellation stems from confusion over the word "Deutch," German. Like the menonnites, the Amish Anabaptists adhere to the principle of "believer's baptism," to be undertaken only by a willing and informed adult.

Although there are several subgroups of Amish believers, the best known are the "Old Order" Amish, who reject modernization, choosing to live in traditional communities, eschewing electricity, telephones, automobiles, and avoiding any relationship with the government or outsiders, whether financial, military, or romantic. Amish communities follow strict codes of conduct, known as Ordnung, ("order") and members who violate these rules may be disciplined, shunned, or expelled from the community. Because the Amsih adhere strongly to principles of nonviolence, they are often automatically excepted from military duty.

Many "New Order" Amish communities, also known as the Amish mennonites, also exist. These appear to blend much more into modern society, allowing telephones, electricity, and automobiles, as well as more interaction with the "English" (outsiders).