What term describes a war that involves the complete mobilization of resources and people, impacting all citizens in the warring countries?

The term "Total War" accurately describes a conflict in which a nation engages all its resources and populace to achieve victory. In a Total War scenario, not only are the military forces involved, but the entire society is mobilized, which includes the economy, infrastructure, and civilian populations. Citizens contribute directly or indirectly to the war effort, whether through military service or by supporting the economy through production and rationing.

Historically, examples such as World War I and World War II illustrate the principles of Total War. In these conflicts, governments directed vast amounts of resources toward the war, often at the expense of civilian needs, advocating for significant societal changes, and leading to the involvement of women and minorities in roles previously unavailable to them.

The other terms, while related to warfare, do not encapsulate this comprehensive mobilization. Conventional Warfare refers to traditional battle strategies primarily involving military units, Guerrilla Warfare focuses on irregular tactics using smaller groups and surprise attacks rather than total societal involvement, and Limited War indicates a conflict where the objectives and means are restricted, avoiding all-in commitment. Thus, Total War is the only term that fully encompasses the extensive engagement of all facets of society in the pursuit of victory.