Total War

Definition

Total war is a military strategy where a nation mobilizes all its resources and population to achieve complete victory over an adversary, often blurring the lines between civilian and military targets. This approach involves not just defeating the enemy's armed forces but also destroying their economic and social infrastructure, which can include targeting cities, supply lines, and any resources that support the enemy's war effort. The concept of total war reflects a shift in warfare during significant conflicts, particularly highlighted during key battles and events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Total war was prominently used during the American Civil War, particularly by Union forces who sought to weaken the Confederate will to fight.
2. The Battle of Antietam is often seen as a turning point where total war tactics began to take shape as it highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict.
3. Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864 exemplified total war as it involved not only military engagement but also widespread destruction of civilian property to cripple Southern morale.
4. Total war leads to significant civilian casualties and hardships, as entire populations are often affected by military strategies aimed at achieving total defeat.
5. The use of total war marked a transformation in military strategy, influencing future conflicts by demonstrating the effectiveness of targeting not just armies but also economic and social structures.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's March embody the principles of total war, and what impact did it have on the Civil War?
  • Sherman's March embodied total war through its relentless destruction of Southern infrastructure and resources, aiming to break the Confederate spirit. By targeting not just military forces but also civilian property and supplies, Sherman sought to undermine the South's ability to sustain its war effort. The impact was profound, as it demoralized Southern civilians and troops alike, accelerating the end of the conflict.
• Analyze how the Battle of Antietam reflected a shift towards total war strategies during the American Civil War.
  • The Battle of Antietam marked a significant turning point in the American Civil War as it showcased the brutal reality of warfare that included high casualties on both sides. This battle highlighted how combat was no longer limited to organized engagements; it involved larger strategies that affected civilians and their livelihoods. The Union's strategic gains from Antietam laid the groundwork for adopting more aggressive total war tactics in subsequent campaigns.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of total war strategies on civilian populations during and after the American Civil War.
  • The long-term effects of total war strategies on civilian populations during and after the American Civil War were profound and lasting. Total war led to widespread suffering and displacement among civilians, with homes destroyed and communities shattered. In the aftermath, these tactics altered perceptions of warfare, raising ethical questions about targeting civilians that continue to resonate in modern military conflicts. The experiences shaped how future wars were conducted and how societies prepare for potential conflicts.

Related terms

Sherman's March: A military campaign led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War, known for its destructive path through the South, exemplifying total war tactics.

Civilian Targets: Non-combatant individuals or locations that can become collateral damage in warfare, particularly emphasized in total war strategies.

Attrition Warfare: A strategy aimed at wearing down an opponent through continuous losses in personnel and material, often used in conjunction with total war tactics.