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No Way Out
Blitzed: The Methamphetamine-Fueled Blitzkrieg with Norman Ohler
Dec 9, 2024
Norman Ohler, author of 'Blitzed' and 'Tripped,' shares eye-opening insights into the German military's use of methamphetamine during World War II. He details how Pervitin fueled the Blitzkrieg, contrasting it with outdated tactics like the French reliance on red wine. The conversation dives into the dark side of Hitler's drug dependency and the broader implications of stimulants on soldiers' performance and health. Ohler also discusses the moral complexities behind these wartime practices, unveiling chilling anecdotes and historical lessons.
01:00:39
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Quick takeaways
- The extensive use of methamphetamine, particularly Pervitin, significantly influenced the rapid and aggressive strategies of the German military during World War II.
- The long-term health repercussions for soldiers, stemming from heavy reliance on stimulants, raise ethical concerns about military performance enhancement practices today.
Deep dives
The Rise of Methamphetamine in Warfare
The podcast discusses the emergence of methamphetamine, particularly under the brand name Pervitin, as a widely utilized stimulant in the German military during World War II. Initially popular among civilians for various performance enhancements, it became recognized by military leaders as a means to combat fatigue among soldiers. Otto Ranke, a military physician, conducted tests that proved methamphetamine could significantly reduce the need for sleep and lower fear responses, which he believed made it an ideal drug for soldiers. Consequently, prior to major campaigns, the Wehrmacht began distributing the drug extensively, especially to tank divisions, thus contributing to the success of their rapid offensives.
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