35 Facts About Pervitin: The Methamphetamine Used by Nazi Germany

Pervitin, a methamphetamine, played a crucial role in Nazi Germany's military strategy during World War II. Developed by Fritz Hauschild and patented by the Temmler group in 1937, it was initially marketed as an energy booster. German soldiers used it to enhance alertness and endurance. Here are 35 key facts about Pervitin.

Development and Early Use

Pervitin's journey from development to widespread use in the military is fascinating. Let's explore its origins and initial applications.

1. Development and Patenting: Fritz Hauschild developed Pervitin, and the Temmler group patented it in 1937.
2. Initial Legal Status: Pervitin was legal in Germany until 1941, allowing broad advertising and distribution.
3. Marketing Strategy: Temmler hired Mathes & Son to market Pervitin, leading to widespread use among Germans.
4. Military Use: First used by the German military during the 1938 occupation of Czechoslovakia, it kept soldiers alert.
5. Blitzkrieg Strategy: Integral to Blitzkrieg, Pervitin helped soldiers stay awake and focused, maintaining battle momentum.

Distribution and Impact on Soldiers

The distribution of Pervitin to soldiers had significant effects on their performance and well-being.

6. Distribution: The Wehrmacht distributed millions of Pervitin tablets to front-line soldiers. The air force called it “pilot’s chocolate” or “pilot’s salt”.
7. Hitler’s Use: Adolf Hitler received intravenous methamphetamine injections from his physician, Theodor Morell.
8. Production Numbers: Over 35 million three-milligram doses were manufactured for the army and air force between April and July 1940.
9. Psychological Effects: Pervitin sparked enthusiasm, confidence, and a feeling of omnipotence among users.
10. Addictive Potential: Many soldiers became addicted, experiencing withdrawal symptoms like sweating, dizziness, hallucinations, and depression.

Side Effects and Regulation

The negative side effects of Pervitin led to growing concerns and eventual regulation.

11. Side Effects: Long-term use led to heart failure, psychosis, and suicidal tendencies. Some soldiers died from heart attacks or committed suicide.
12. Regulation Efforts: By the end of 1940, the military cut back on Pervitin distribution, but it continued on both fronts.
13. Leo Conti’s Concerns: The Third Reich’s top health official, Leo Conti, warned about Pervitin’s addictive potential and health effects.
14. British Reports: British papers reported on German soldiers’ use of a “miracle pill,” which was Pervitin.
15. Allied Experiments: Allied bomber pilots tested Pervitin but discontinued its use due to adverse effects like agitation and impaired judgment.

Personal Accounts and Historical Context

Personal experiences and historical documentation provide a deeper understanding of Pervitin's impact.

16. Heinrich Böll’s Experience: German writer and soldier Heinrich Böll requested Pervitin from his family, finding it effective in keeping him alert.
17. Pervitin in the Field: First tested during the 1939 invasion of Poland, Germany quickly overran its eastern neighbor.
18. Blitzkrieg Success: The Blitzkrieg strategy, including Pervitin use, led to early military successes.
19. Medical Historian’s Perspective: Peter Steinkamp noted that Blitzkrieg was guided by methamphetamine, highlighting its central role.
20. Otto Ranke’s Role: Dr. Otto F. Ranke promoted Pervitin, believing it could keep fighters alert on little sleep.

Decline and Legacy

Despite its initial success, Pervitin's negative effects led to its decline and eventual removal from military use.

21. Ranke’s Personal Use: Dr. Ranke used Pervitin daily, working for 36 to 50 hours without noticeable fatigue.
22. Growing Concerns: By the end of 1940, concerns about addiction and side effects led to a decline in distribution.
23. Temmler Werke’s Profitability: Temmler Werke remained profitable throughout the war, supplying Pervitin until the 1970s.
24. Post-War Use: Both East and West German armies used Pervitin in the 1960s. West Germany removed it in the 1970s, East Germany in 1988.
25. Historical Context: Pervitin was part of a broader context of performance-enhancing drugs used by the Nazi regime.

Psychological and Physiological Effects

Studies on Pervitin highlighted its effects on both the mind and body.

26. Psychological and Physiological Effects: Increased alertness, reduced sleep needs, and enhanced physical performance were noted, along with euphoria and confidence.
27. Addiction and Withdrawal: Severe withdrawal symptoms included sweating, dizziness, hallucinations, and depression.
28. Heart Problems: Long-term use led to heart problems, including heart pains and attacks.
29. Medical Establishment’s Response: By 1941-1942, the medical establishment acknowledged amphetamines' addictive nature.
30. Widespread Use: Pervitin was used by soldiers, pilots, and other military personnel, contributing to its addictive nature and severe side effects.

Historical Documentation and Controversy

Historical records and modern studies provide a comprehensive understanding of Pervitin's role and impact.

31. Historical Documentation: Documents and medical journals detail Pervitin’s use during World War II, highlighting its benefits and drawbacks.
32. Controversy and Criticism: Historians argue about Pervitin’s role in Blitzkrieg success, criticizing its addictive potential and negative side effects.
33. Legacy and Impact: Pervitin’s history serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of performance-enhancing drugs.
34. Norman Ohler’s Contribution: Norman Ohler’s book Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany highlighted Pervitin’s role in enhancing military performance.
35. Historical Significance: Pervitin is a significant chapter in World War II history, showcasing the interplay between technology, strategy, and human behavior during wartime.

The Legacy of Pervitin

Pervitin played a pivotal role in Nazi Germany's military strategy during World War II. Developed by Fritz Hauschild and patented by the Temmler group in 1937, this methamphetamine was initially marketed as an energy booster. Its widespread use among German soldiers, particularly during the Blitzkrieg, showcased its ability to enhance alertness and endurance. However, the drug's addictive potential and severe side effects, including heart failure and psychosis, soon became apparent. Despite efforts to regulate its distribution, Pervitin continued to be used until the end of the war and even beyond. The history of Pervitin serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between technology, strategy, and human behavior in wartime. It highlights the dangers of relying on performance-enhancing drugs and the long-term consequences they can have on individuals and society.