Total War
A military conflict of unlimited scope
Real World Example
During the Civil War, the concept of total war meant that both the military and civilians were involved in the conflict, affecting all aspects of society. This approach was used by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman in his "March to the Sea," where he destroyed infrastructure and supplies to weaken the Confederate war effort. Total war aimed to break the enemy's will to fight by attacking not just the military but also resources that supported them, responding to the need for a decisive victory. Today, the idea of total war reminds us of the importance of considering how conflicts can affect entire societies, not just soldiers. For example, during natural disasters like hurricanes, communities come together to rebuild and support each other, showing how collective effort is essential in overcoming large-scale challenges.