During World War I, the concept of total war was indeed applied in various ways. Here are two examples:
1. Governments equipped, transported, and supported millions of troops: Total war involved the mobilization of entire nations and their resources to support the war effort. Governments in World War I implemented mass conscription, wherein large numbers of men were drafted into the military. These governments also made significant efforts to equip and transport troops to the front lines. They established extensive logistical networks to ensure the supply of weapons, ammunition, food, and other essential resources to sustain the war effort.
2. Governments raised taxes to help pay for the war effort: Financing the war became a significant challenge for nations engaged in World War I. To cover the massive costs associated with the conflict, governments resorted to raising taxes on their citizens. Increased taxation was implemented to generate additional revenue and fund the expenses of the war, including the procurement of weapons, the provision of medical services, and the maintenance of military infrastructure. These tax measures were often accompanied by the issuance of war bonds and loans to secure further financial resources.
Both of these examples demonstrate how the idea of total war was applied during World War I. Governments mobilized their entire nations, both economically and militarily, to support the war effort by equipping and transporting troops and raising taxes to finance the conflict.