What is the best definition of total war?

Total war is a concept in military and historical studies that describes a type of warfare where a nation mobilizes all of its resources, both human and material, towards the war effort. In a total war scenario, the entire society becomes deeply involved in supporting the war, and the distinction between military and civilian targets often blurs. This concept emerged in the 20th century, particularly during World War I and World War II, where nations mobilized not only their armed forces but also their economies, industries, and civilian populations.

Key characteristics of total war include:

1. Full Mobilization: In a total war, the entire population is mobilized for the war effort. This includes conscription of civilians into the military, increased industrial production for war materials, and the active involvement of the civilian population in various aspects of the war.

2. Economic Mobilization: The economy is geared towards supporting the war, with resources redirected to produce weapons, ammunition, and other materials necessary for the conflict. Civilian industries often transition to wartime production.

3. Totalitarian Measures: Total war often involves the implementation of more authoritarian or totalitarian measures by the government to control and coordinate the society's efforts. This may include censorship, propaganda, and restrictions on civil liberties.

4. Strategic Bombing: Total war may see the targeting of civilian populations and infrastructure through strategic bombing campaigns. This was notably seen in World War II with bombings of cities such as London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

5. Global Scope: Total war is not limited to a specific battlefield but can extend globally, involving multiple nations and theaters of operation. World War I and World War II are prime examples of conflicts with a global scope.

6. Intensity and Scale: The intensity of total war is characterized by a high level of destruction, large-scale military engagements, and a commitment to victory at any cost.

Total war represents a departure from more limited or traditional forms of warfare, where conflicts were often confined to specific battlefields and had less impact on civilian populations. The concept underscores the all-encompassing nature of modern conflicts, where entire nations are involved, and the consequences extend far beyond the military sphere.