Fact check: The German army had a lot of success initially in World War 2 because they were using amphetamines

1. Summary of the results

The statement about amphetamine use in the German army during WWII is partially accurate but oversimplified. Multiple sources confirm that methamphetamine (Pervitin) was widely distributed and actively encouraged in the German military ^{[1] [2]}. The scale was significant, with 35 million doses produced in just two months in 1940 ^{[3] [4]}. The drug was indeed used to enhance soldier performance, allowing them to stay awake for days and maintain high energy levels ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:

• The Germans weren't alone in using stimulants - American and British forces also used substances like Benzedrine and cocaine ^[5]
• The Nazi regime conducted horrific experiments with even more potent drug combinations like D-IX (methamphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone) on concentration camp prisoners ^[6]
• Military historians attribute Germany's early success to other factors such as tactical innovation (Blitzkrieg), leadership structure, and the element of surprise against unprepared opponents ^[7]
• Pervitin was specifically chosen because it was believed to reduce sensitivity to fatigue, hunger, and pain while increasing confidence ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement oversimplifies complex historical events by:

• Suggesting that drug use was the primary reason for German military success, when military historians point to other crucial factors ^[7]
• Failing to mention that drug use was a broader military practice not limited to German forces ^[5]
• Not acknowledging that while Pervitin was indeed crucial to the Blitzkrieg strategy ^[2], it was part of a larger tactical approach
• Omitting the ethical implications and human rights violations involved in the Nazi drug program, particularly the forced experimentation on concentration camp prisoners ^[6]

The statement benefits those who might want to reduce complex historical events to simple explanations, potentially diminishing the importance of military strategy, preparation, and other crucial factors in early German successes.