Blücher described how war knows no traditions. A nearby town had a beloved church bell that had been around for 300 years. The bell was ingrained in the town's history, but the necessities of the war wrenched it from the people's grasp.
War's terrible effects also brings out resourcefulness and creativity in people. Because of the now frugal living style people are submitted to they find new ways to maximize the limited resources they have. Everything has to be put to use and nothing is wasted. If society could maintain this ingenuity without the harsh living conditions of war people would be much better off.
The main significance Blücher's entry talked about was that in a time of total war everybody is affected. The people living in towns and cities may not be out in the trenches fighting, but they have to scrap for their lives, too. There are massive food shortages and almost no gas for lighting at night.
Whether the civilians in a war-stricken country like it or not, their shared suffering brings the people together. These people do everything they can to survive and unite in their decrepit state. They may have nationalism and hope for what their soldiers are doing or they may band together in their hatred of the government and revolt. But it is when the common people join together that a nation's fate out on the front lines are won and lost. After all, a country is no better or worse than the average citizen. If the people can sacrifice to do all they can for their soldiers and support them then their country will succeed in battle.
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