#481 – Norman Ohler: Hitler, Nazis, Drugs, WW2, Blitzkrieg, LSD, MKUltra & CIA
In this episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Norman Ohler examines drug use in Nazi Germany and its impact on World War II. From the beer halls of Munich where the Nazi movement began to Berlin's recreational drug scene in the 1920s, Ohler traces how substances shaped the social and political landscape of the era.
The discussion explores the military's extensive use of methamphetamine, particularly during the Blitzkrieg campaigns, with German forces consuming millions of doses of the stimulant Pervitin. Ohler details how drug use extended to Nazi leadership, including Hitler's own dependency through his physician Dr. Theodor Morel, and describes the evolution of drug culture from a form of resistance in the Weimar Republic to its criminalization under Nazi rule.
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The History of Drug Use in Nazi Germany
Norman Ohler explores the complex relationship between drug use and Nazi Germany, from the movement's beer hall origins to its military's dependence on methamphetamines.
Origins and Early Drug Culture
The Nazi movement emerged from Munich's beer halls in the 1920s, where alcohol played a crucial role in spreading right-wing populism. Meanwhile, Berlin experienced a surge in recreational drug use, creating a diverse cultural scene amid post-WWI economic struggles. When the Nazis gained power in 1933, they criminalized drug use in pursuit of societal "purity."
Military Use of [restricted term]
The Berlin-based Temmler company developed Pervitin, a [restricted term] stimulant, which became widely used in Nazi Germany. Professor Ranke's influence led to its adoption by the military, with 35 million doses distributed to troops. According to Ohler, the drug played a crucial role in maintaining soldier alertness and reducing fear, particularly during the Blitzkrieg campaigns.
Impact on Military Strategy and Leadership
The German high command distributed Pervitin to soldiers during the French invasion, with some experts suggesting the Blitzkrieg wouldn't have been possible without it. Ohler discusses how Hitler himself became dependent on drugs through his physician, Dr. Theodor Morel, who administered various substances including cocaine and opioids. This dependency may have influenced Hitler's military decisions, particularly during Operation Barbarossa.
Drug Use in Culture and Resistance
The podcast touches on the broader cultural implications of drug use, particularly in the Weimar Republic era. Ohler describes how Berlin's 1920s drug culture represented a form of resistance against authority, while the later resistance movement used social gatherings to build networks against the Nazi regime. The discussion concludes with insights into how substances like LSD, developed by Sandoz in 1943, later influenced creativity and psychological treatment approaches.
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Actionables
- Explore the impact of historical events on modern culture by visiting local museums or historical sites related to the 1920s and World War II era. By engaging with exhibits and attending talks, you can gain a deeper understanding of how events like the rise of the Nazi movement and the cultural scene in Berlin have shaped contemporary society and politics.
- Create a reading group focused on literature from or about the 1920s to the 1940s to better understand the societal changes and resistance movements of the time. Select books that delve into the themes of authority, rebellion, and the role of substances in society, fostering discussions that draw parallels to current social dynamics.
- Volunteer with organizations that work on drug rehabilitation and education to gain insight into the complexities of substance use and its effects on individuals and communities. This hands-on experience can provide a modern perspective on the historical context of drug use and policies, as well as the ongoing challenges related to addiction and treatment.
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The History of Drug Use in Nazi Germany
Norman Ohler delves into the deeply intertwined history of drug use and the Nazi movement, from its alcohol-fueled origins to the widespread military use of methamphetamines like Pervitin.
Nazi Germany's Origins Tied To Alcohol Use in Bavarian Beer Halls
The Nazi movement, as Ohler recounts, began within the environment of Bavarian beer halls in the 1920s. Alcohol was an integral part of national socialism and the culture of the time, with the exception of Hitler, who abstained yet leveraged the susceptibility of inebriated individuals to right-wing populism. The Burgerbraukeller in Munich was specifically mentioned as the origin point for the movement. Most notably, the Beer Hall Putsch, the Nazis' failed attempt at a coup in 1923, was conceptualized in this drunken milieu.
1920s Berlin: Experimentation With Drugs
Contrasting with Munich's beer halls, Berlin in the 1920s was experiencing a surge in drug use due to the socio-economic downturn following World War I and the Versailles Treaty. People experimented with [restricted term], cocaine, mescaline, and ether as a form of rebellion against authority in a society lacking strong governance. This ushered in an unorthodox and diverse cultural scene.
Nazis Aimed to Eliminate Drugs and Promote "Purity", Banning Substances and Prosecuting Users
After the Nazis rose to power in 1933, they swiftly moved to criminalize drug users in a quest for societal "purity." By 1940, negative reports about [restricted term] usage surfaced, suggesting that reliance on drugs contradicted Nazi ideology by deviating from the ideal of pure, unaided performance.
Temmler Developed Pervitin, a [restricted term] Stimulant Used by the Nazi Military
It was Professor Ranke's influence on the German army that set the stage for [restricted term]'s extensive use in military campaigns. Based on his diary accounts, Ranke became a proponent of administering [restricted term] to soldiers, believing in its performance-enhancing capabilities. This is underscored through original battle reports involving [restricted term] usage, and an anecdote about an antique dealer in Berlin who found decades-old, yet potent, Pervitin tablets in a medicine chest.
Pervitin, discovered by Fritz Hauschild of the Berlin-based Temmler company, was a response to the belief that American athlete Jesse Owens was using amphetamines. Chemists in Berlin tested [restricted term] on themselves, noting its stimulating effects, leading to its widespread popularity, acceptance, and eventual pharmacy distribution without a prescription—even to c ...
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The History of Drug Use in Nazi Germany
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Counterarguments
- The assertion that the Nazi movement's origins are tied primarily to alcohol use in Bavarian beer halls could be oversimplified, as the movement's rise was influenced by a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors beyond just the setting of its early gatherings.
- While Hitler's abstinence from alcohol is noted, it's important to consider that his personal habits may not have directly translated to the broader Nazi policies or practices regarding substance use.
- The link between the Beer Hall Putsch and alcohol could be seen as anecdotal rather than causal; the putsch was a result of political motivations and not merely a product of a drunken environment.
- The portrayal of 1920s Berlin as a hub of drug experimentation might overshadow other cultural and intellectual advancements of the Weimar Republic that were occurring simultaneously.
- The Nazis' aim to eliminate drugs and promote societal "purity" might be contrasted with their selective endorsement and use of drugs like Pervitin, suggesting a more nuanced or hypocritical approach to substance use.
- The negative reports about [restricted term] usage within the Nazi regime could be contextualized within the broader scope of wartime drug use, which was not unique to Nazi Germany.
- The use of Pervitin by the German military could be compared to the use of similar stimulants by other nations' militaries, challenging the notion that this practice was uniquely or inherently Nazi.
- The distribution of Pervitin without a prescription and its acceptance akin to coffee might be critiqued for lacking a comprehensive understanding of the historical context of drug ...
Actionables
- Explore the historical context of substance use by visiting local museums or archives to understand the socio-economic impacts on behavior. By learning about the past, you can gain insight into how societal pressures influence personal choices. For example, you might find exhibits or records about the Prohibition era in the United States, which can parallel the rise of drug use in 1920s Berlin, helping you draw connections between historical events and current societal issues.
- Create a personal "substance diary" to track your habits and their effects on your mood and productivity. This can help you become more aware of how substances like caffeine or alcohol affect you, similar to how Pervitin affected soldiers' morale. Over a month, note down your intake, the immediate effects, and any longer-term changes in your well-being or performance. This self-awareness exercise can lead to healthier lifestyle choices.
- ...
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Drug Use's Impact on Military Strategy and Leadership
The relationship between drug use and military strategy during World War II, particularly within the Nazi regime, reveals how the consumption of substances like [restricted term] and opioids influenced both troop performance and leadership decisions.
Nazi High Command Distributed Performance-Enhancing Pervitin To Soldiers During French Invasion
Historical documents linked to [restricted term] research touch upon its critical role during Nazi Germany’s French campaign. A University of Ulm professor claimed that the renowned Blitzkrieg would not have been possible without [restricted term], indicating the Nazi high command's distribution of Pervitin to its soldiers to enhance their performance. Professor Rankle of the German army, upon learning of university reports on the benefits of Pervitin for soldiers, including mitigating fear and reducing sleep and appetite needs, explored its potential for military application.
The drug's negative effects were not widely recognized until an opponent related to Albert Speer warned of its addictive potential and its clash with Nazi principles. Nonetheless, the German army, prior to the invasion of Poland and later in the campaign against France, deployed [restricted term] to maintain the vigor and alertness of its soldiers. Openly, the German military did not regulate Pervitin use, but troops often consumed it independently.
[restricted term] Enabled German Troops' Energy and Alertness, Aiding Blitzkrieg Success
Rankle conducted experiments with stimulants, concluding [restricted term] was highly effective. This belief was manifested when Temmler was tasked to deliver 35 million doses of Pervitin for the French invasion. This decision was reinforced by clinical tests that confirmed [restricted term]'s effects, such as a lack of fear and the elimination of the need for sleep, thus enabling soldiers to press on with an energized and attentive disposition during Blitzkrieg maneuvers.
Norman Ohler discusses how the German war machine capitalized on this "party mood" induced by [restricted term], leading to rapid advancements and surprising the enemy—traits essential for blitzkrieg success. Ohler also notes the staggering number of dosages handed out and mentions high-level officers like Rommel who were likely under the influence during night advances—a time when others retreated.
Hitler's Dependence on Dr. Morel's Drugs Affected Leadership
Norman Ohler analyzes Adolf Hitler's relationship with drugs, particularly focusing on his dependency on medications provided by his physician, Dr. Theodor Morel. Hitler's close relationship with Morel, who supplied an array of drugs, impacted his judgment and decision-making prowess. As the war progressed, Hitler's beliefs and strategies increasingly failed to align with those of his generals.
Hitler's initial foray into hard drug use, starting with potent opiates, marked a departure from vitamins and a descent into more experimental treatment regimens that lasted betwe ...
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Drug Use's Impact on Military Strategy and Leadership
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Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of Pervitin in enhancing soldier performance is debatable, as the long-term effects of [restricted term] use can lead to decreased performance, increased risk-taking, and impaired judgment.
- The success of Blitzkrieg tactics was not solely due to drug use; factors such as surprise, speed, and the use of combined arms also played significant roles.
- While Hitler's drug use may have affected his decision-making, it is an oversimplification to attribute major strategic outcomes solely to this factor, as many complex elements contribute to wartime decisions.
- The assertion that British intelligence abandoned assassination plans due to Hitler's drug use is speculative and not universally accepted by historians; other strategic and moral considerations likely played a role.
- The impact of Hitler's drug use on the course of the war should be considered alongside other critical factors such as economic resources, military strategy, and the ...
Actionables
- Reflect on decision-making influences by keeping a journal to track your mood, health, and substance intake before important decisions. This can help you identify patterns or influences that may affect your judgment, similar to how substances affected historical figures' decisions. For example, note if you tend to make impulsive choices after consuming caffeine or feel more cautious when you're under the weather.
- Develop a critical thinking habit by analyzing historical decisions and their outcomes in light of the decision-makers' health and potential substance use. Create a simple spreadsheet to compare different leaders and their pivotal decisions, noting any known health issues or substance use, and see if there are correlations with the quality of their decisions.
- Educate yourself ...
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The Intersection of Drug Use and Creativity/Culture
The Swiss pharmaceutical company Sandoz developed LSD in 1943, with chemist Albert Hofmann noting strong reactions in the brain. Sandoz's CEO, Arthur Stoll, believed LSD could transform mental health treatment. There were hopes it could treat trauma from World War II, and recent studies suggest microdoses might help with Alzheimer's disease due to interactions with relevant brain receptors.
Norman Ohler and Lex Fridman discuss LSD's impact on creativity and the mind's potential to inspire intense creative experiences or altered perceptions. Fridman recounts personal profound journeys with psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca, linking them to happiness, freedom, and personal transformation. However, they advise caution with psychedelics, especially for those with unstable psyches. Scientific studies have shown psilocybin can help with extreme depression and PTSD, indicating a potential influence on psychological well-being and creativity.
The Weimar Republic in the 1920s witnessed a young German population exploring life with fewer restrictions, leading to a liberally charged and wild atmosphere in Berlin, which contrasted starkly with Munich's conservative ideology. Drugs were accessible and cheap in Berlin, fueling a counterculture, while the Nazis, notably through Goebbels, despised Berlin's "hated asphalt reality."
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Ohler felt the cultural openness and vibrancy of Berlin in the 1990s were reminiscent of the 1920s. The podcast also discusses the Weimar Republic era newspaper "Gegner," which maintained discourse against Hitler's rise to power. However, a Nazi takeover led to suppression, with Harrow and his colleagues facing violence from the SS and destruction of their equipment.
Harrow aimed to "march through the institutions" from within the system rather than leave the country, gathering information for the BBC. His love Libertas symbolized the resistant bohemian counterculture. Ohler's experiences with LSD in the mountains brought him closer to the universe's bigger story and life's meaning, advocating for the importance of such moments for artists in various professions.
Harrow utilized parties as a covert recruitment technique for his resistance ag ...
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The Intersection of Drug Use and Creativity/Culture
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Counterarguments
- While LSD and other psychedelics have been associated with creativity and mental health benefits, the long-term effects and potential for dependency or abuse are not fully understood, and more research is needed to establish safe and effective use.
- The idea that microdoses of LSD might help with Alzheimer's disease is intriguing, but it is important to note that this is still a hypothesis that requires rigorous clinical testing before it can be considered a viable treatment option.
- The link between psychedelics and personal transformation is subjective and may not be universally applicable; individual experiences can vary widely, and not all users report positive outcomes.
- Advising caution with psychedelics is prudent, but it is also important to recognize that the legal status and social stigma surrounding these substances can impact mental health outcomes and access to potential benefits.
- The historical account of the Weimar Republic's liberal counterculture and the Nazi response may oversimplify the complex social and political dynamics of the time, and other factors may have contributed to the cultural atmosphere.
- The effectiveness of parties as a recruitment technique for resistance against the Nazis is difficult to evaluate, and there may have been other, m ...
Actionables
- Explore your creative potential by starting a 'micro-journal' to document any shifts in your thoughts or feelings after engaging in new creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music, which could mimic the altered perceptions described.
- Keeping a journal allows you to track changes over time and can serve as a personal record of your creative evolution. For example, after each creative session, jot down any new ideas or emotions you experienced, and over time, you might notice patterns or an increase in creative output.
- Foster personal transformation by setting aside time each week for 'introspective sessions' where you reflect on your goals, happiness, and personal growth, similar to the introspective insights gained from psychedelics.
- During these sessions, you could meditate, practice deep breathing, or simply sit in a quiet space to contemplate. You might, for instance, choose a different aspect of your life to focus on each week, such as relationships, career, or self-care, and reflect on how you can improve or change these areas for the better.
- Cultivate a sense of historical empathy and understanding by creating a 're ...
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