Total War • WWI was the first modern war that relied on technology, machines and lots of soldiers • In order to succeed, every industry in a nation had to contribute to the war effort. • Total War: Every part of a country’s economy is focused on supporting the army and war – Front line: Soldiers fighting on battlefields – Home front: Civilians at home helping
Conscription • Every nation in the war had universal military conscription, which required all young men to serve in the military or other service (the draft).
War Bonds • To raise money, governments encouraged people to buy war bonds – Donated money to government for a short period
Weapons Factories • Normal factories would begin to make tanks, airplanes, guns and supplies for soldiers
Agriculture • Farmers would grow fruit, vegetables and grains to help feed the soldiers.
Rationing • Governments required people to ration, or eat less food, to save more food for soldiers. • Soldiers often ate better than civilians on the home front.
The Role of Women • Women often worked in factories because the men were off fighting in wars – Rosie the Riveter, from WWII
Propaganda • The use of media (posters, speeches, video) to persuade someone of something
Exit Slip • Why would Total War help a country win a war?