Why is WW1 a Total War?
Introduction
World War I, often referred to as the "Great War," was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved almost every major power in the world. The conflict was unprecedented in its scope, scale, and brutal nature, resulting in over 37 million military and civilian casualties and a level of devastation that would have far-reaching consequences for international relations, economies, and societies for decades to come. In this article, we will explore the reasons why World War I can be characterized as a total war.
What is a Total War?
Before we dive into the specific reasons why WW1 was a total war, it’s essential to understand the concept of total war. A total war is a war that seeks the destruction of an enemy society, economy, and even its culture. It is a war without quarter, where the object is not only to defeat the enemy on the battlefield but also to break his will to fight and demoralize his population. Total war is marked by the use of every available resource, including economies, industries, and technologies, to achieve a war effort.
Why WW1 was a Total War
I. Massive Mobilization of Resources
One of the primary reasons why WW1 was a total war was the massive mobilization of resources by all belligerents. Before the war, most military forces were small, traditional armies, and economies were largely based on agriculture, trade, and industry. However, with the advent of industrialization and nationalism, these limitations were rapidly overcome.
Table: Mobilization of Resources (1914-1918)
| Resource | Germany | Austria-Hungary | France | Great Britain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troops | 11 million | 7.5 million | 8.5 million | 5.7 million |
| Industry | 25% of production devoted to war effort | 30% of production devoted to war effort | 40% of production devoted to war effort | 50% of production devoted to war effort |
| Economy | Controlled by governments | Controlled by governments | Controlled by governments | Controlled by governments |
As seen in the table, all belligerents mobilized vast resources, including troops, industry, and economies. This scale of mobilization was unprecedented and marked the beginning of total war.
II. New Technologies and Techniques
Another key factor was the rapid development of new technologies and techniques, which allowed for a more efficient and destructive form of warfare. Tanks, airplanes, submarines, and poison gas were some of the new technologies that were first used during WW1, and they greatly increased the scale and destructiveness of warfare.
Table: New Technologies and Techniques
| Technology | Impact | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tanks | Bypass enemy lines, reduce casualties | British Mark I, French Renault FT-17, German A7V Sturmpanzerwagen |
| Airplanes | Reconnaissance, bombing | German Gotha G, British Handley Page Type O, French SPAD S.XIII |
| Submarines | Siege of enemy supply lines, disrupt trade | German U-boats, British Submarines |
| Poison Gas | Cause widespread civilian casualties, destroy morale | Mustard gas, chlorine gas, phosgene gas |
III. Changing Nature of Warfare
Another significant factor was the changing nature of warfare itself. The emergence of trench warfare, barbed wire, and modern artillery meant that armies were no longer able to quickly and easily break enemy lines. This led to a greater emphasis on siege warfare, trench warfare, and guerrilla warfare.
IV. Belligerent Nationalism
Finally, the rise of nationalism and the collapse of diplomatic efforts led to the total war mentality, where the survival of an entire nation was seen to be at stake. This led to a disregard for traditional limitations on war, such as the law of war, and an unwillingness to negotiate a peace agreement.
Conclusion
WW1 was a total war because of the massive mobilization of resources, the rapid development of new technologies and techniques, the changing nature of warfare, and the rise of nationalism and the collapse of diplomatic efforts. The conflict saw the destruction of economies, societies, and entire cultures, resulting in an unprecedented level of devastation that would have far-reaching consequences for international relations, economies, and societies for decades to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WW1 was a total war because of the extent to which the conflict penetrated every aspect of society, including economies, industries, and technologies. The mobilization of resources, new technologies and techniques, changes in the nature of warfare, and belligerent nationalism all contributed to the total war mentality and the devastating consequences that resulted.
