Blitzed summary

Drugs and the Third Reich

In Blitzed, Norman Ohler takes us on a journey through the dark underbelly of Nazi Germany, exploring the widespread use of drugs, particularly methamphetamines, among the German populace and even within the highest echelons of the Nazi regime. Ohler argues that these drugs were not just recreational, but integral to the war effort, with the German military distributing millions of methamphetamine tablets to soldiers, pilots, and even U-boat crews to keep them alert and combat fatigue.

Ohler begins by delving into the early history of methamphetamine, known as Pervitin in Germany, and its initial use as a performance-enhancing drug. He describes the euphoric and energizing effects of Pervitin, which made it popular not only among soldiers but also among civilians who used it to stay awake during long shifts or to boost their mood in times of hardship.

Hitler's Personal Physician and the Fuhrer's Drug Addiction

The narrative takes a more sinister turn when Ohler introduces Theodor Morell, Hitler's personal physician, who played a significant role in fuelling the Fuhrer's drug addiction. Morell administered a cocktail of drugs to Hitler, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and barbiturates, which had a profound impact on the dictator's mental and physical health. Ohler argues that Hitler's increasingly erratic behavior and poor decision-making during the latter stages of the war can be attributed, at least in part, to his drug dependence.

Ohler provides chilling details of Hitler's daily drug regimen, which included numerous injections and pills, and how the dictator's declining health and drug-induced paranoia influenced the direction of the war. He also delves into the widespread use of other drugs within the Nazi regime, including opiates and cocaine, further highlighting the pervasive drug culture that existed in Hitler's Germany.

The Aftermath and Legacy of Drug Use in Nazi Germany

As the war reaches its conclusion, Ohler describes the devastating impact of drug addiction on both the German military and civilian population. The initial euphoria and energy provided by methamphetamine were replaced by severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, contributing to a sense of hopelessness and despair as defeat became inevitable.

In the aftermath of the war, Ohler argues that the widespread use of drugs in Nazi Germany was largely overlooked, overshadowed by other atrocities committed by the regime. He also explores the role of pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck and Bayer, in producing and promoting these drugs, raising questions about their complicity in the regime's actions.

Reflections on History and Human Behavior

In conclusion, Blitzed offers a provocative re-examination of the Nazi era, challenging traditional narratives of the period. Ohler's account sheds light on the complex interplay between drugs, power, and ideology, and the ways in which they can influence historical events. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug abuse and its potential to exacerbate the destructive forces of war and totalitarianism.

While the subject matter is undeniably dark, Ohler's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make Blitzed a compelling and thought-provoking read. Ultimately, the book forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior and the capacity for widespread drug use to shape the course of history.