What role did Shintoism serve in Japan before World War I?

Shintoism played a significant role in shaping Japanese culture and identity, particularly in fostering a sense of nationalism before World War I. As the indigenous religion of Japan, Shintoism emphasized the connection to the land and the divine ancestry of the Japanese people. This belief system was intricately tied to the idea of the emperor as a divine figure, which reinforced national unity and pride.

The teachings and practices of Shintoism were often intertwining with state ideology, especially during the Meiji Restoration, when there was a concerted effort to promote nationhood and rally the populace around the emperor and the state. This contributed to a strong nationalistic sentiment that saw Shintoism not just as a religion but as a cultural foundation for the nation.

Such a climate facilitated the rise of militarism and expansionist policies leading up to World War I, as a reverence for Shinto traditions was used to justify and support Japan's ambitions at the time. This nationalistic aspect of Shinto helped define Japanese identity and played a crucial part in mobilizing citizens for both military and civic duties.