The Amish and Mennonites, as I understand, from speaking to many of them are all descendants from two brothers, Amos and Menos! They left Germany because they were being persecuted for their traditional and religious beliefs and first settled in Russia; then known as the USSR! From there they ask for asylum in different countries! Some leaders, knowing that their traditional way of life, that mostly included natural farming, would be a great asset for their country! There asylum was not without shady intentions, some scrupulous politicians with the insistence of their foreign handlers gave them asylum and a lot of land especially those that were known to have great oil deposits were protected for future use! Agreements were made for them to harvest the top soil, while they protected well known oil deposits!