Total war in the context of the American Civil War refers to a form of warfare that was unrestricted in terms of weapons, territory, combatants, and objectives, involving the mobilization of entire societies and targeting not only enemy armies but also civilian resources and infrastructure. Unlike later 20th-century total wars characterized by indiscriminate bombing of cities and massive civilian casualties, the Civil War's total war involved more selective and strategic targeting, especially aimed at undermining the South’s war effort by destroying its economic and civilian support systems

. The Civil War is often described as the first modern American total war because it involved extensive geographic scope (military actions across about 20 states and three territories), massive mobilization of resources and populations, and a shift in war aims toward the complete destruction of the enemy’s capacity to fight, including the abolition of slavery

. Union generals like William T. Sherman implemented total war strategies, such as his famous "March to the Sea," which targeted not only Confederate armies but also civilian infrastructure like farms, railroads, and factories to break the South’s will and ability to continue fighting

. Both Union and Confederate armies confiscated food, timber, and other resources from civilians, causing widespread hardship, food insecurity, and environmental damage. Civilians were directly affected by the war, often becoming refugees or victims of military foraging and destruction

. The war blurred the traditional distinction between combatants and noncombatants, making civilians part of the war effort and its consequences

. In summary, total war during the Civil War meant a comprehensive conflict that involved entire societies, targeted civilian resources alongside military forces, and aimed at the total defeat and transformation of the enemy, marking a significant evolution in the nature of warfare