Question

how was world war 2 a total war

Answer 1

When a country is waging "total" war, that essentially means a mobilization of most of its industries and social institutions into serving the war effort. Rationing is often instituted, luxury goods become scarce, and everything is focused on providing everything the war effort requires. For example, the Soviet Union was geared for total war in pressing their citizens and industries into doing only one thing -- to fight the Nazis in WW2.