In what ways, and to what extent, was a Second World War, a “Total War”?

Jade T.

What is “Total War”?

Total War is when a country uses all of its human, economic and military resources to fight the war and ensure complete victory over the enemy

Home front turned Battlefield

Before the Second World War, the world had never experienced such us a war that could affect the whole country and their ways of life. Women started working in industries, factories focused on manufacturing weapons, and the change of mindset for many people.

Women

The role of women in the United States started to take turn to labor force. They replaced the male workers who went to war. “Rosie the Riveter” became an iconic symbol of female workers across the country.

German Female Workers

Resources

Rationing was enforced in resource consumption. Ration coupons were distributed for food, gasoline, clothing, fabric, and many other items. Car races and sightseeing driving were banned in order to save fuel for tanks and airplanes.

Technologies

Both US and Germany spare no expense in developing and distributing innovative vehicles for use in combat to gain advantages. The beginning of WWII also signaled the development of new technologies that will change the ways of combat.

Education

Even kids were part of the fight. Children of both the Allied Forces and the Nazi were taught to be ready for the war, especially Germany with its Hitler Youth program that started since the 30s

Casualties

Almost every country was affected by the war, from Europe to Asia. The advanced enhancement in planes allowed the army to drop bombs down on key locations and cities where civilians lived, with ease

In conclusion

The Second World War, to an extent, was a “Total War”. Everyone, and not just able-bodied men, took part in the war effort. All products must be beneficial to the battle. The whole country of both the Allied Forces and the Axis were affected by this war