What is the Best Definition of a Total War?
Total war is a term that has been used to describe a wide range of conflicts throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. However, the concept of total war is often misunderstood, and its definition can vary greatly depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore the different definitions of total war and examine the most widely accepted and accurate definition.
What is Total War?
Total war is a type of warfare that seeks to destroy the enemy’s ability to wage war by attacking and destroying their economy, infrastructure, and population. It is a conflict that is fought on multiple fronts, including land, sea, and air, and involves the mobilization of all available resources, including military, economic, and human resources.
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Early Definitions of Total War
The concept of total war has its roots in ancient times, when civilizations such as the Spartans and the Persians fought wars that involved the destruction of enemy cities and the enslavement of their populations. However, the modern concept of total war began to take shape during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars and World War I.
The Clausewitzian Definition
One of the most influential definitions of total war was coined by Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian military strategist, in his book "On War". According to Clausewitz, total war is "a war of the people, in which the whole nation is involved, and in which the ultimate aim is the destruction of the enemy’s capacity to wage war".
Key Characteristics of Total War
While Clausewitz’s definition of total war is widely accepted, it is not the only definition that has been proposed. Other scholars and military strategists have identified additional key characteristics of total war, including:
- Mobilization of all available resources: Total war requires the mobilization of all available resources, including military, economic, and human resources.
- Attack on the enemy’s economy: Total war involves the destruction of the enemy’s economy, including its industries, infrastructure, and supply chains.
- Attack on the enemy’s population: Total war involves the destruction of the enemy’s population, including civilians, prisoners of war, and enemy soldiers.
- Use of unconventional warfare: Total war often involves the use of unconventional warfare tactics, such as guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and terrorism.
- Global scope: Total war can involve conflicts that are fought on multiple fronts, including land, sea, and air, and can involve multiple countries and alliances.
Examples of Total War
Total war has been fought throughout history, including during the following conflicts:
- The Thirty Years War (1618-1648): A conflict that involved multiple European countries and resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.
- The American Civil War (1861-1865): A conflict that involved the destruction of cities and the enslavement of enemy populations.
- World War I (1914-1918): A conflict that involved the use of total war tactics, including the destruction of enemy cities and the mobilization of all available resources.
- World War II (1939-1945): A conflict that involved the use of total war tactics, including the destruction of enemy cities, the mobilization of all available resources, and the use of unconventional warfare tactics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best definition of total war is one that recognizes its key characteristics, including the mobilization of all available resources, the attack on the enemy’s economy and population, and the use of unconventional warfare tactics. Total war is a conflict that is fought on multiple fronts, involves the destruction of enemy cities and populations, and seeks to destroy the enemy’s ability to wage war.
