What is the Best Definition of Total War?
Total war has been a subject of extensive study and debate among historians and military strategists for decades. The concept of total war refers to a type of warfare that involves the complete mobilization of a nation’s resources, population, and economy to achieve military victory. In this article, we will delve into the best definition of total war, exploring its evolution, characteristics, and notable examples throughout history.
The Origins of Total War
The concept of total war can be traced back to the 17th century, when armies began to rely on economic blockade, naval warfare, and civilian mobilization to achieve victory. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that total war became a prominent feature of modern warfare.
The Best Definition of Total War
Many historians and military strategists have attempted to define total war, but no single definition has been universally accepted. One of the most commonly cited definitions is:
"Total war is a war in which all aspects of a nation’s power are mobilized to achieve victory, including its military, economic, and industrial capabilities, as well as the efforts of its entire population."
This definition is attributed to the German strategist Alfred von Schlieffen, who wrote:
"In total war, the army, the navy, the air force, and the people are all united to achieve a single goal – victory. The entire strength of the nation is poured into the war effort."
Characteristics of Total War
Total war typically involves the following characteristics:
- Mobilization of all national resources: The complete mobilization of a nation’s resources, including its military, economic, and industrial capabilities, to achieve victory.
- Economic warfare: The use of economic measures, such as blockade and confiscation of enemy property, to weaken the enemy’s ability to wage war.
- Civilian involvement: The involvement of civilians in the war effort, including women, children, and the elderly.
- Use of industrial power: The use of industrial power, including the production of war materials, transportation, and communication systems, to support the war effort.
- Ruthless tactics: The use of ruthless tactics, including bombing of civilian populations and destruction of enemy property, to achieve victory.
Notable Examples of Total War
Some of the most notable examples of total war include:
| War | Year | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| American Civil War | 1861-1865 | Complete mobilization of the Northern and Southern populations, destruction of cities and infrastructure |
| World War I | 1914-1918 | Mobilization of entire populations, economic blockade, use of poison gas and trench warfare |
| World War II | 1939-1945 | Global conflict involving all major powers, use of atomic bombs, economic blockade, and mobilization of entire populations |
| Vietnam War | 1955-1975 | Long-term conflict involving large-scale mobilization of civilian population, use of carpet bombing and defoliation |
| War on Terror | 2001-present | Global conflict involving use of drones, economic sanctions, and mobilization of entire populations |
Conclusion
In conclusion, total war is a type of warfare that involves the complete mobilization of a nation’s resources, population, and economy to achieve military victory. While the concept of total war has evolved over time, it remains a prominent feature of modern warfare. The definition of total war is open to interpretation, but the characteristics of total war typically involve the mobilization of all national resources, economic warfare, civilian involvement, use of industrial power, and ruthless tactics. By examining the notable examples of total war throughout history, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities and implications of this type of warfare.
References:
- Schlieffen, A. von (1922). Campaigns of the World War.
- Clausewitz, C. von (1832). On War.
- Keegan, J. (1994). A History of Warfare.
- Kennedy, D. (1984). The Rise of the Anglo-German Antagonism, 1860-1914.
