Question

Why is world war 1 often considered a prime example of total war?

Answer 1

World War One, or the Great War, is often considered a prime example of total war for a number of reasons. First off, let us examine what the meaning of "Total War" actually means. Total War can be defined as a war that involves nearly everyone in the countries involved, not just soldiers and politicians. Citizens namely: the old, the weak, children, women, injured, etc. In WW1 women and children were grabbed in the streets and forced to work in factories to assemble and create war machines. Merchant ships were torpedoed and sunk, cities bombed, and set on fire - all in the name of terrorizing the people of the country and waning down their public opinion of the war.  Countries in WW1 needed the help of all of their citizens to fight in such a global conflict, so the governments would take over almost all of the industry and redirect it towards the war effort. Lastly, in the case of WW1 by 1915 (a year into the war) no country was attempting to gain land, power, or anything else of that nature. Instead, their sole goal was to survive, which meant the total unconditional destruction and surrender of the opposing side. Therefore, total warfare.

Answer 2

Citizens were targeted during combat.