What does "for all apparent purposes" mean? On the surface? Or, on the face of it?

[NewHopeR]

What does "for all apparent purposes" mean? On the surface? Or, on the face of it?

Context:

The war, for all apparent purposes, has come to a halt.

 

[Raymott]

Re: What does "for all apparent purposes" mean? On the surface? Or, on the face of it

Context:

The war, for all apparent purposes, has come to a halt.

Yes, it means "on the face of it". The war has stopped in all aspects that are readily apparent. There might be some aspects of the war that are still ongoing, but they are not obvious.
I'd be more interested in knowing what "The war has come to a halt" means. Is the war over, or is it just a truce or cease-fire?

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: What does "for all apparent purposes" mean? On the surface? Or, on the face of it

In case it's of interest, in BrE you're more likely to hear "to all intents and purposes".