Final answer:
Warfare has historically aimed to secure resources, assert dominance, or seek vengeance. Strategies like total war and wars of attrition reveal intent to completely disrupt the enemy's capacity. Modern conflicts may still revolve around resource control, with an increasing call for global cooperation instead of conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary aim of warfare has evolved over time, but historically, it has often been related to securing resources, asserting dominance, or exacting vengeance. In the context of total war, as seen during the American Civil War, the goal extends beyond the battlefield. Armies strike against both military targets and civilian resources to disrupt their opponent's ability to wage war. This type of warfare requires the mobilization of all societal resources and often involves the government extending its reach into citizens' lives. As the war strategy shifts towards a war of attrition, as was evident by 1916 during World War I, the aim can become outlasting the enemy through sheer resource expenditure and manpower.
Furthermore, warfare can also be driven by the need for prestige, as was seen in the Plains where acts of bravery could elevate one's status within the society. In the modern era, control of resources remains a key objective that fuels conflict, reflecting the ongoing importance of economic gains and strategic superiority. The concept of warfare for resource acquisition is challenged by the potential for greater global cooperation to manage limited resources and address common threats, rather than falling into the destructive cycle of resource wars. Ultimately, while the ingredients of war such as manpower and material resources are critical for success in any military campaign, the underlying purposes and goals can differ significantly based on the historical context and societal values.