The Societal and Economic Transformation of World War I

The Great War: Defining Total Conflict

The war of 1914–1918 had such a profound impact on European society and involved so many countries and people that it was called the Great War. It is considered the first example of a new type of conflict: a "Total War." This designation meant the conflict had virtually no restrictions regarding the weapons used, or the territory and people involved.

The Involvement of the Civilian Population

A new type of national army emerged as a result of the revolutions of the 19th century. Instead of using mercenaries or volunteers, mandatory enlistment (conscription) meant the participation of the majority of the male civilian population of army recruitment age. In this way, war affected the entire population, as husbands and sons had to participate in the war.

In 1914, armies were able to move faster and cover more territory using trains and motor vehicles. This rapid movement caused several major societal shifts:

• Refugee Crisis: An exodus of millions of civilians occurred in Belgium, northern France, Prussia, Russia, and Serbia, who feared looting, destruction, and reprisals. This was one of the first major movements of war refugees in the modern period.
• Industrial Mobilization: The war required mass production of ammunition and supplies. Women and men ineligible for enlistment were recruited to work in factories, and work hours were increased.
• Scarcity and Hunger: War was the priority, which slowed the production of basic food and consumer goods. Since a large part of the population already lived in cities with less access to food than in the countryside, hunger became common.

Propaganda and Control of Public Opinion

For the first time, modern marketing techniques were used to create war propaganda. The aim was to maintain public morale and support the war effort. This propaganda generated feelings of patriotism and hatred towards the enemy, involving the entire population in the conflict.

To avoid public dissent, newspapers and letters sent by soldiers to their families were censored. Pacifists or socialists who opposed the war were arrested and silenced.

The Economy Under State Control

The governments of countries at war established war economies characterized by strong state intervention. Ammunition industries had to work to their full potential.

The female population and non-enlisted men were compelled to work in factories, and any complaint or poor performance was considered a betrayal.

The war had to be paid for, and as a result, governments incurred massive debt and had to borrow heavily. The Allies, in particular, were funded by the United States, the richest power, which remained neutral until 1917.