What religions were involved and supported World War 1 2?

World Wars I and II were not primarily religious conflicts. While religious motives played a role for some individuals, the main triggers of the wars were nationalist and territorial disputes, as well as rivalries between major European powers. That being said, certain religious sentiments and factors did contribute to the support for and perception of these wars by different parties involved:

World War I (1914-1918)

1. Germany: Germany was predominantly a Protestant country at the time, with Lutheranism being the largest denomination. The German Protestant Church supported the war by providing spiritual and moral guidance to soldiers and presenting the conflict as a struggle against the perceived enemies of Christianity.

2. Austria-Hungary: Austria-Hungary was a predominantly Roman Catholic country, and the Catholic Church played a significant role in supporting the war. Church leaders portrayed the conflict as a defense of Catholic values against the rising tide of secularism and Protestantism in Europe.

3. Russian Empire: Russia, a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, viewed the war as a sacred mission to defend the Eastern Orthodox Church and expand their influence in the Balkans. The Russian Orthodox Church portrayed the conflict as a struggle against the perceived enemies of Christianity and Slavic identity.

4. Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire, which was predominantly Muslim, entered World War I as a part of the Central Powers. The Ottoman leadership appealed to religious sentiments to rally support for the war, emphasizing the defense of Islamic lands and caliphate.

World War II (1939-1945)

1. Nazi Germany: The Nazis manipulated and distorted Christian symbols and rhetoric to justify their aggressive ideologies and anti-Semitic policies. However, the Nazi regime sought to control religious institutions and persecuted any church that opposed their plans.

2. Japan: Japan's State Shinto was used as a tool for state control and militaristic expansion. Shinto teachings were modified to glorify the emperor and support Japan's war efforts, leading to the concept of "divine wind" (kamikaze) missions.

3. Other religious groups: World War II also saw religious minorities, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, facing persecution and discrimination across various countries. However, it's important to note that not all members of these religious communities supported or condoned the wars.

In summary, certain religious sentiments and motivations influenced the support for World Wars I and II. While religious factors were not the sole or primary causes, they played a role in bolstering morale and support for the war efforts among some sections of the population.