Redbeard
Banned
As others have already pointed out, GB in WWII is a good example of a nation reaching its mobilisation limit in a total war. By 1941 GB alone (excl. trhe Empire) was producing more than Germany, Italy and Japan combined, but then stagnated, and when Germany went to war econmy from 1942 Germany superceeded GB.
France from late 18th century and until 1918 was drained for more than was reproduced.
But there would be great differences between nations in how big a portion of production is needed to reproduce. In India, China or WWI Russia each individual would need very little, but the low degree of industrialisation and productivity would mean that very little is left for warfare when reproduction has taken its share. By WWII each Russian still accepted to survive on very little but the forced industrialisation of the interwar years had provided a huge surplus capacity for warfare. In comparison a modern western nation has a tremendous and unsurpassed technical/material capacity to wage war, but the population, feeling safe and comfortable, rarely is willing to accept any sacrifice. From this also follows however, that the most stupid thing you could do would be seriously pissing off the western world. The Kaiser, Hitler, the Politbureau, Saddam and Osama never understood - and paid/are paying the price.
Regards
Steffen Redbeard
France from late 18th century and until 1918 was drained for more than was reproduced.
But there would be great differences between nations in how big a portion of production is needed to reproduce. In India, China or WWI Russia each individual would need very little, but the low degree of industrialisation and productivity would mean that very little is left for warfare when reproduction has taken its share. By WWII each Russian still accepted to survive on very little but the forced industrialisation of the interwar years had provided a huge surplus capacity for warfare. In comparison a modern western nation has a tremendous and unsurpassed technical/material capacity to wage war, but the population, feeling safe and comfortable, rarely is willing to accept any sacrifice. From this also follows however, that the most stupid thing you could do would be seriously pissing off the western world. The Kaiser, Hitler, the Politbureau, Saddam and Osama never understood - and paid/are paying the price.
Regards
Steffen Redbeard