HIST20060 Final: Total War Summary
Document Summary
Total war: world war two - course summary. What is total war: total was is a mental concept against which we can measure reality unlikely to ever find all aspects within the reality of war, total war based on four central claims, total war aims: Extreme and radical aims pursued, unconditional surrender insisted on, subjugation of the enemy state or nation, aim of destruction/annihilation of enemy. Involves change in attitude about the purpose of war itself, annihilation of the enemy, war regarded as a struggle for existence. Differs from limited war where certain clear political aims are the major goal total war strives to totally destroy the enemy: total methods: Disregard of international law and of common moral principles, reckless use of all military means against the enemy. Classifying civilians as legitimate targets of violence make up majority (65%) of deaths in wwii. Development and application of new weapons and technologies: total mobilization.
