Blitzed, written by Norman Ohler, is a thought-provoking and well-researched exploration of the role of drugs in Nazi Germany during World War II. Through extensive interviews and historical research, Ohler presents a compelling argument about the widespread use of drugs in the Nazi regime, including stimulants, opiates, and other substances, and the impact it had on the war effort.
One of the main strengths of the book is the quality of the research and evidence presented. Ohler clearly spent a great deal of time delving into primary sources and presenting a well-rounded view of the topic. He also does an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of his argument and presenting a clear and coherent narrative.
The purpose of the book is to shed light on a little-known aspect of Nazi history and to raise important questions about the role of drugs in society and the dangers of their misuse. In this respect, the book is highly successful. It is a thought-provoking and eye-opening work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
This book shines a light on an aspect of the second world war that is often ignored, the rampant drug use in the Nazi regime. Although the propoganda at the time strongly prohibited drug use and discouraged it by punishing people severely, the military and its leaders abused drugs and eventually became addicted to it which could have played a significant part in its fall.
The book mainly focuses on the story of Theodor Morell, Hitler’s personal physician, and examines his notes and diary entries on treatment that was done to patient X. It talks about how Morell treated patient X with basic medication at first and then used meth, cocaine, eukadol etc to treat patient X which helped him to get through important meetings in the short term but eventually came back to kill him. Quite literally in this case. The author speculates that patient X eventually killed himself because he couldn’t get his drugs that day and couldn’t handle the withdrawal symptoms.
Overall, I would highly recommend Blitzed to anyone interested in history, psychology, or the impact of drugs on human behavior. It is a valuable and important work that shines a light on a little-known aspect of Nazi history and raises important questions about the role of drugs in society.
