How Methamphetamine Made the German Army "Super Soldiers" During World War II

During World War II, methamphetamine played a significant role in the battlefield strategies of the German military, particularly under the Nazi regime. Known by the trade name **Pervitin**, methamphetamine was used to enhance the performance of German soldiers, granting them the ability to fight longer, march greater distances, and remain alert for extended periods. This drug's widespread use within the German army is often credited with giving soldiers a temporary "super soldier" edge, but the long-term consequences of this policy were severe.

The Origins of Methamphetamine and Pervitin

Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan in 1893 by chemist Nagai Nagayoshi. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that methamphetamine gained widespread attention. In 1938, **Pervitin**, a methamphetamine-based drug, was developed by German pharmaceutical company Temmler. Initially marketed as a miracle stimulant, Pervitin was available over the counter in Germany and was used to treat various conditions like depression, low energy, and even as an appetite suppressant.

As World War II unfolded, Nazi military doctors and strategists recognized the potential of Pervitin to keep soldiers alert, focused, and energetic. By late 1939, the German High Command had begun distributing the drug to soldiers in preparation for military campaigns, particularly in high-stakes operations like the invasion of Poland and France.

Methamphetamine and Blitzkrieg

The German military's "Blitzkrieg" strategy—a highly effective, fast-moving warfare tactic—was central to the Nazis' early victories during World War II. Blitzkrieg relied on rapid, sustained movement of troops and armored divisions across enemy territory, often catching opposing forces off guard and overwhelming them before they could regroup.

Pervitin played a crucial role in sustaining the soldiers’ stamina during these intense operations. The methamphetamine-laced drug allowed soldiers to march for days without sleep, focus intently on their objectives, and maintain high levels of energy for extended periods. German soldiers, fueled by Pervitin, were able to push through extreme physical and mental exhaustion, sometimes fighting for 24 to 36 hours straight without rest.

For example, during the invasion of France in 1940, Pervitin was distributed widely among soldiers to enable the rapid advancement across French defenses. Troops crossed challenging terrain with few breaks for rest, overcoming enemy forces that were slower and physically drained. This apparent "superhuman" stamina gave the Germans a tactical advantage, leading to swift and decisive victories.

The Effects of Pervitin on German Soldiers

While Pervitin provided a short-term boost in performance, it also came with a range of dangerous side effects that eventually took a toll on the soldiers. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, increasing alertness and energy but also leading to a host of physical and psychological problems.

1. Temporary Euphoria and Increased Energy: In the short term, Pervitin gave soldiers a sense of invincibility. They felt more confident, their fatigue disappeared, and their ability to focus improved. The drug also increased aggression, which some military leaders believed made soldiers more effective in combat.

2. Mental and Physical Breakdown: However, as with any stimulant, the effects of methamphetamine wore off, often leaving soldiers worse off than before. After the initial high, soldiers would crash, experiencing extreme fatigue, irritability, and paranoia. Many soldiers reported hallucinations and psychotic episodes, often exacerbated by the stress of combat.

3. Addiction and Dependency: Long-term use of Pervitin led to widespread addiction among German troops. Soldiers became dependent on the drug to function, leading to serious health problems. Many troops were given the drug multiple times a day during campaigns, which meant that their bodies quickly built up tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms were common, including depression, aggression, and in some cases, violent outbursts.

4. Physical Deterioration: Methamphetamine use severely weakened the bodies of soldiers over time. They experienced weight loss, cardiovascular problems, and an overall weakening of their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. This eventually reduced their effectiveness in combat and led to long-term health consequences for many who survived the war.

The Downside of the Super Soldiers

Despite its early success in helping German troops endure the grueling conditions of war, the use of Pervitin proved to be unsustainable. While soldiers initially seemed to become "super soldiers," capable of performing above normal human limits, the reality was that the drug’s side effects were debilitating. By 1941, the German military began to see the negative consequences of methamphetamine use among its ranks.

Many soldiers were left physically and mentally exhausted after the drug’s effects wore off, reducing their ability to fight effectively in prolonged campaigns. Reports of erratic behavior, addiction, and health problems increased, leading some military doctors to reconsider the widespread use of Pervitin.

As the war progressed, the German High Command tried to control the distribution of Pervitin, issuing guidelines to limit its use. However, by that point, many soldiers were already dependent on the drug, and attempts to regulate it had limited success.

Legacy of Methamphetamine in Warfare

The use of methamphetamine by the German military during World War II is a sobering reminder of the dangerous consequences of drug use in warfare. While Pervitin gave soldiers a temporary edge, the long-term physical and psychological toll was devastating. The “super soldier” myth is just that—a myth. The use of methamphetamine only masked human limitations temporarily and led to widespread suffering and addiction.

Today, methamphetamine remains a major global problem, but its role in the history of World War II provides important lessons about the dangers of using drugs to enhance performance in any context. The idea of chemically creating "super soldiers" ultimately proved unsustainable and harmful, revealing the dark side of relying on stimulants to overcome the limits of the human body.