Civil War Economics and Total War

Total war strategies target and destroy the homes and livelihoods of civilians, from houses and farms to factories and railroads. They are never an acceptable, regardless the cause for which an army is fighting. Civilians, whether friend or enemy, should be excluded as targets, because no matter their allegiance, they have not chosen to actively take part in combat.

While total war may bring an earlier end to a conflict, the speed with which a war is conducted does not define the damage it does. While total war may reduce the duration of a war, it also produces a long-term reduction in quality of life for the remaining population. In tallying the cost of war, one does not simply count how many lives were lost, nor the length of the conflict, but also the long-term impact. One also does not dismiss the actions of...
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