Definition of mobilization

The word "mobilization" originated in the late 19th century when the need for large bodies of troops and resources to be quickly and efficiently mobilized for military operations became apparent. It is derived from the French word "mobiliser," which means to put into service or to make ready for action. The term was first used by the French army in the 1870s as a military strategy to mobilize reserves in times of war. The concept of mobilization rapidly spread to other areas beyond military contexts as it became apparent that it could also be applied to resource management, economic and industrial mobilization, and social mobilization. Today, the word "mobilization" is commonly used in various contexts, such as emergency response, political organizing, and business strategy, to refer to the process of assembling people, resources, and equipment in order to accomplish a specific objective.