What philosophical tradition did Nietzsche laid the groundwork for?

Friedrich Nietzsche is often considered a foundational figure in existentialism due to his profound exploration of themes such as individuality, the meaning of existence, and the nature of human freedom. His philosophy emphasizes the techniques of self-overcoming and the importance of creating one's own values in a world that lacks inherent meaning or purpose. Nietzsche's declaration that "God is dead" serves to illustrate the collapse of traditional moral frameworks, prompting individuals to confront the void left behind and to actively construct their own identities and beliefs.

This philosophical shift encourages a focus on personal experience and the subjective nature of truth, which are central concepts in existentialist thought. Figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Viktor Frankl drew heavily on Nietzsche's ideas to develop their own existential frameworks, further cementing his influence within this tradition. While other philosophical movements like modernism, structuralism, and romanticism hold their own significance, it is the existentialist tradition where Nietzsche's impact is most prominently recognized, making it the correct answer to this question.