Sherman's March to Sea: A famous example of total war during American Civil War led by Union General William T. Sherman who marched across Georgia causing widespread destruction.
Scorched Earth Policy: A military strategy similar to total war where everything useful for enemy is destroyed. It’s like eating all the cookies so your sibling can't have any.
Draft Riots: Violent disturbances in response to compulsory enlistment for war. Imagine a school making an unpopular rule mandatory and students protesting against it.