Buzz
Crystal methamphetamine has wreaked havoc on communities worldwide, now spreading to unexpected regions like Iran and Iraq. These areas are not typically associated with such drug-related issues.
Initially, methamphetamine's destructive impact wasn’t limited to individual addiction. The Nazi war effort also played a significant role. Methamphetamine essentially powered the blitzkrieg tactics of Hitler’s forces as they advanced across Europe, leaving devastation in their wake.
This narrative explores the connection between the Nazis and crystal methamphetamine, highlighting 10 pivotal historical events.
10. German History
The origins of amphetamine are deeply rooted in German history. Similar to how Bayer popularized heroin as an over-the-counter remedy, amphetamine was first created by German chemists in the late 19th century, a period marked by widespread drug experimentation and the belief in chemical advancements for improved living.
However, it wasn’t until the post-World War I era that amphetamine became commercially available. During the 1920s and 1930s, it was marketed in various forms, including inhalers, and gained popularity among artists and intellectuals seeking to boost creativity and productivity.
Benzedrine emerged as the most widely used form, debuting in the early 1930s. This likely contributed to the remarkable productivity and innovation seen in the early 20th century.
9. Early Daze
Nazi Germany’s drug policies were heavily influenced by the Weimar Republic, the German state that existed between World War I and World War II. The Nazis came to power by overthrowing the Weimar Republic, marked by the Reichstag fire and Hitler’s dramatic ascent.
The Weimar Republic was remarkably progressive, especially for a nation devastated by war and the Treaty of Versailles. During this time, the “Roaring Twenties” in America brought jazz, heroin, and swing dancing into the spotlight. Germany, more than other European nations, embraced American ideals of industrial growth, corporate culture, and a lifestyle of success and excess.
The Weimar Republic thrived with vibrant social scenes, including smoking, drinking, and liberal drug use, reflecting its flourishing culture.
8. Cocaine, Opium, and Morphine
During the 1930s, as the Nazis gained power, Germany underwent significant changes. Initially, the Nazi regime tolerated various forms of drug use. However, over time, they began to label substances like cocaine, opium, and morphine as “Jewish,” associating them with what they deemed inferior traits.
The Nazis propagated the idea that Jewish individuals were reliant on drugs, using this narrative to justify their discriminatory policies and stigmatize drug use.
7. Pervitin
The Nazis experienced a significant boost with the creation of Pervitin, a methamphetamine-based pill. This drug became a cornerstone of their strategy, marking an unprecedented chapter in history.
Hitler was known to consume a wide array of substances, including opiates, testosterone, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and even bull semen. Surprisingly, he believed bull semen acted as an early version of Viagra, enhancing his unconventional sexual activities.
Pervitin’s packaging clearly listed methamphetamine as its active ingredient, confirming it was essentially meth in pill form. This drug played a crucial role in the Nazi regime’s operations.
6. Double Standards
The Nazis exhibited a blatant double standard regarding drug use. While they condemned drug dependency as a “Jewish” trait and deemed it despicable, Hitler himself was a notorious drug user, and his troops were actively encouraged to consume substances like methamphetamine.
This hypocrisy was evident in the fact that German civilians were barred from using most drugs, while Nazi military personnel were ordered to take them. The regime likely justified this by claiming the ends justified the means, as drugs like methamphetamine enhanced the speed and aggression of their military campaigns.
5. The Invasion of Poland
The Nazis’ blitzkrieg strategy was infamous for its rapid attacks, a result of meticulous planning. In September 1939, the invasion of Poland was executed with astonishing speed and ferocity. The Nazis overran the country in mere days, creating the illusion that their soldiers operated without rest, marching and fighting ceaselessly.
This was precisely the case, fueled by Pervitin methamphetamine tablets. German soldiers stationed in Poland frequently wrote home, often requesting additional methamphetamine to ensure they had a steady supply.
The Nazis were in a state of constant stimulation during the Polish campaign. Amid the chaos of war, they operated in a drug-induced frenzy, firing indiscriminately and behaving recklessly.
4. The Invasion of France
The invasion of Poland was merely a prelude to the Nazi assault on France. After the devastation of World War I, Germany sought revenge, armed with advanced drugs and powerful weapons. Having successfully tested methamphetamine in Poland, the Nazis were prepared to march tirelessly, conquering France without rest.
Approximately 35 million Pervitin tablets were procured ahead of the invasion of France. Nazi soldiers consumed these pills on the battlefield, transforming into relentless forces. The French were caught off guard, unable to comprehend the overwhelming strength and endurance of their adversaries. With advanced weaponry and drug-enhanced troops, the Nazis swiftly overran France.
The Nazis eventually forced the Allied forces to retreat during the Dunkirk evacuation. Their rapid assaults earned the Nazi Wehrmacht the nickname “stormtroopers,” highlighting the unprecedented speed of their military operations.
3. High Hitler
Adolf Hitler spent much of the war in a drug-induced state. One notable incident involved his meeting with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, where his altered mental state was evident.
Mussolini, having lost public support for the war, attempted to convince Hitler to let Italy withdraw after the Allies invaded Sicily. However, Hitler, under the influence of a potent drug cocktail, was unreceptive. The meeting turned disastrous as Hitler, in a drug-induced frenzy, rambled incessantly, leaving Mussolini unable to interject.
Among the substances Hitler consumed was Pervitin, also known as Panzerschokolade (“tank chocolate”). His drug use escalated, with cocaine being used for ailments like sinus congestion and even as eye drops. His methamphetamine addiction worsened, and his personal doctor later revealed that Hitler was prescribed up to 80 different drugs daily.
The Allies speculated whether Hitler’s doctor was attempting to sabotage the war effort by incapacitating him. Hitler continued using methamphetamine until the war’s end, when the Soviet forces overwhelmed the Nazis on the Eastern Front.
2. Downsides
The Nazi strategy proved effective for a considerable period. They supplied their frontline troops with meth, alcohol, opiates, and other substances to enhance their combat performance, granting them extraordinary stamina and strength. However, this approach was destined to have significant downsides.
Methamphetamine induces intense pleasure and prolonged euphoria, along with heightened alertness and concentration. Users also experience a drastic reduction in the need for food and sleep.
Over time, methamphetamine severely damages the central nervous system, particularly as sleep deprivation takes its toll. This often leads to extreme psychosis and a complete detachment from reality. Prolonged use results in significant brain damage. Soldiers on the front lines frequently suffered from paranoid psychosis amidst the chaos of war.
Experiencing severe drug withdrawal in the midst of battle, with bullets and bombs surrounding them, was even more harrowing for these men. This undoubtedly weakened the morale and structure of the Nazi military, ultimately undermining the very foundation of their war effort: the individual soldier.
1. African Theater
Erwin Rommel, the renowned tank commander, led the African campaign during World War II. He famously called methamphetamine “thy daily bread,” as it enabled his tank units to fight continuously for up to 24 hours, leaving the British forces struggling to match their pace.
Rommel later led operations in France, insisting that his tank units be supplied with methamphetamine for critical battles. In response, British and American troops began using standard amphetamines to counter the relentless, meth-fueled German soldiers.
The African theater’s tank battles intensified, with both sides relying on stimulants. Drug-dependent soldiers exchanged fire on the front lines of the battlefield, creating a chaotic and brutal war environment.
