Final answer:
Typically, contraband in war refers to weapons, military equipment, and items with strategic military value, but can extend to other goods when rationing is in place, like during WWII. However, necessities for refugees like food, clothing, and medical supplies are not generally classified as contraband.
Step-by-step explanation:
The items typically considered contraband in war are those prohibited from being supplied to certain areas or groups, primarily due to their ability to be used in combat or their strategic value. During conflicts like the American Civil War and World War II, weapons, military equipment, and other materials used for fighting are usually classified as contraband. However, the nature of contraband can extend to other items in times of war, especially when rationing is in effect.
For example, the Confederate government faced shortages and inflation during the Civil War because of reliance on imports and the Union blockade. Subsequently, certain necessary items like wool, coffee, and salt became scarce and expensive, contributing to the hardships of civilian life. During World War II, the United States instituted rationing with goods like gasoline, food, and manufactured fabric being controlled to support the war effort, indirectly making these items contraband for unauthorized use.
Essential resources for refugees like clothing, food, and medical supplies are typically not considered contraband; in fact, these are often the focus of humanitarian efforts to support those affected by conflict.