Total War is a military strategy that involves mobilizing all of a nation's resources to achieve complete victory over an enemy. This means not only using the military but also engaging the economy, industry, and civilian population in the war effort. Historical examples include the American Civil War and World War II, where entire societies were transformed to support the war.
In Total War, the distinction between combatants and non-combatants often blurs, leading to widespread destruction and suffering. The goal is to break the enemy's will to fight by targeting infrastructure, resources, and morale. This approach can lead to significant consequences for both the victors and the defeated.