Explain one way in which the impact of warfare on civilians in the years c1500–c1700 was different from the impact of warfare on civilians in the period c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1

One significant way in which the impact of warfare on civilians differed between the periods c1500–c1700 and c1900–present is the extent and nature of military involvement in civilian life.

In the earlier period, c1500–c1700, warfare was predominantly characterized by the direct involvement of professional armies and mercenaries, which often engaged in battle near urban areas. Consequently, civilians experienced violence primarily through sieges and raids, with a focus on plunder. Civilians were often caught in the crossfire, leading to significant casualties; however, the impact was somewhat limited as warfare typically involved defined battles and less sustained conflict.

In contrast, by the c1900–present period, warfare evolved into total war strategies, marked by the mobilization of entire nations, including direct attacks on civilian populations. This shift resulted in civilians facing widespread destruction through aerial bombings, massacres, and systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure. The scale and technological advancements of warfare during the modern era severely amplified civilian suffering and casualties, demonstrating a significant difference in the nature and impact of warfare compared to the earlier centuries.