Total War in the 20th Century

Total War in the 20th Century

Ð''Total War' is a term deriving from 20th century war, employed when a country mobilizes all resources in order to destroy the ability of its enemy to wage war. This type of war has existed since the Middle Ages however it was not until recently that it was recognized as a separate type of warfare. Total War invovled not only soldiers, but the entire nation, and the full extent of every resource available. Total War includes constraints such as Human Rights and is focused on the mobilization of all resources and total destruction of the enemy, aided by (1) mobilization of the entire poulation, (2) resources and (3) technological innovation, within a political realm.

Total War refers to the mechanization and mobilization of an economy as one entity, the nation as a whole functions simultaneously, almost as one great machine. Industrialized nations could therefore distinguish and then choose the intensity of warfare in which it wished to engage. This prospect, with relation to the 20th century, meant that not only would traditional military assets be targeted, but also every Ð''part of the machine' including factories and their workers. An example of this would be the allied carpet bombing of industrial Axis towns or the German attempts at flooding British towns by destroying dams. All this was considered necessary in order to deal a blow to the entire war effort of the enemy. Along with factories, civilian infrastructure (roads, dams and bridges) women also became a 'legitimate' target of each warring party during both WWI and WWII. With regards to mobilization of the home front, women filled many of the jobs left vacant by men that were on the front line. According to Roger Chickering's definition Total War: The German and American Experiences, 1871-1914:"Total war is distinguished by its unprecedented intensity and extent. Theaters of operations span the globe; the scale of battle is practically limitless. Total war is fought heedless of the restraints of morality, custom, or international law, for the combatants are inspired by hatreds born of modern ideologies. Total war requires the mobilization not only of armed forces but also of whole populations. The most crucial determinant of total war is the widespread, indiscriminate, and deliberate inclusion of civilians as legitimate military targets."

With regard to resources, even the most basic vitals quickly became luxuries. For example food. Food for soldiers was a massive expense for Germany and Britain, and the transportation of supplies to the front line became essentially key to the winning of both WWI and WWII. This problem was seen especially in WWII with reference to the Eastern Front and the over stretching of the German supply line which needed to span a ridiculous 1000 miles. This line was easily disrupted and thus left German troops literally starving to death and without bullets of fuel for their war effort. On the homefront, food was also a major factor. Rationing quickly became implemented in Great Britain, shortly followed by Germany. For example, in both wars, food supplies to Britain were targeted

by German U-Boats, which greatly hindered the British war machine and moral. This was totally acceptable as result of total war, as it targeted

not only soldiers, but also men, women and in their countries. Essential raw materials

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