The string tension in two-dimensional gauge theories

We review and elaborate on properties of the string tension in two-dimensio nal gauge theories. The first model we consider is massive QED in the m << e limit. We evaluate the leading string tension both in the fermionic and bosonized description s. We discuss the next-to-leading corrections in m/e. The next-to-leading t erms in the long distance behavior of the quark-antiquark potential, are ev aluated in a certain region of external versus dynamical charges. The finit e temperature behavior is also determined. In QCD(2) we review the results for the string tension of quarks in cases w ith dynamical quarks in the fundamental, adjoint, symmetric and antisymmetr ic representations. The screening nature of SYM2 is re-derived.