The Pharmacological Arms Race: What Were the Pills for Stay Awake in WWII?
As the nature of warfare evolved in the 20th century, military strategists began to consider new ways to overcome the fundamental human limitations of fatigue, fear, and exhaustion. The First World War highlighted the psychological toll of combat, and by the Second World War, militaries sought pharmacological solutions to create what some termed “super soldiers”. This led to a widespread, state-sanctioned distribution of powerful stimulants, primarily amphetamines and methamphetamines, across both Allied and Axis forces. These weren't just simple energy boosts; they were central to strategic offensives and had lasting consequences that would echo long after the war's conclusion.
Methamphetamine and the Blitzkrieg: The Axis Experience
The most infamous stimulant used in WWII was Pervitin, a methamphetamine developed and manufactured in Germany. First patented in 1937 and initially marketed to the general public as a mood enhancer and diet aid, Pervitin found its true purpose on the battlefield. To fuel the aggressive, lightning-fast Blitzkrieg offensives, millions of tablets were distributed to German soldiers and tank crews, who nicknamed them "Panzerschokolade" (tank chocolate) or "Stuka-Tabletten" (Stuka tablets).
Effects on German Soldiers:
- Endurance: Pervitin suppressed the need for sleep and hunger, allowing troops to push on for days without rest.
- Confidence: It induced a sense of euphoria, increased confidence, and dampened fear.
- Aggression: The drug also increased aggression, which was a desirable trait for offensive campaigns.
As the war progressed, German chemists experimented with even stronger formulations. The drug D-IX, for example, was developed late in the war. It was a cocktail of oxycodone, cocaine, and methamphetamine, tested on prisoners in concentration camps to see if it could turn them into indefatigable carriers for extended missions. This highlighted the Nazi regime's dehumanizing and unethical approach to pharmacological enhancement.
Simultaneously, the Japanese military issued methamphetamine, known as Philopon, to its troops and even industrial workers to boost productivity. It was given to kamikaze pilots before their suicide missions.
Amphetamines for the Allies: Benzedrine and its Use
After witnessing the seemingly boundless energy of the German forces, Allied commanders launched their own programs to find effective stimulants. The United States and Great Britain settled on Benzedrine, an amphetamine sulfate. Initially developed as a decongestant, Benzedrine's stimulant properties were recognized and adopted for military use.
High-ranking officials explicitly approved its use. In 1942, for instance, General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered half a million Benzedrine tablets for American troops deployed to North Africa. Similarly, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) officially sanctioned its use for pilots to maintain focus during long, stressful flights.
Effects on Allied Soldiers:
- Endurance: Helped stave off combat fatigue, which incapacitated many soldiers without physical injury.
- Morale and Confidence: The pills, sometimes called “go-pills,” were used to boost morale and resolve.
- Combat Stress: Used in the hopes of combating anxiety and fear in high-stress combat situations.
Comparison of Key WWII Stimulants
| Aspect | Pervitin (German) | Benzedrine (Allied) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Compound | Methamphetamine | Amphetamine Sulfate |
| Military User | Primarily infantry, tank crews, and pilots. | Primarily pilots and infantry. |
| Purpose | Increase alertness, endurance, confidence, and aggression. | Combat fatigue, boost morale, and increase alertness. |
| Initial Marketing | Mood enhancer, diet pill. | Nasal decongestant, later mood stabilizer. |
| Nicknames | Panzerschokolade, Stuka-Tabletten. | 'Bennies', 'Go-Pills'. |
| Impact on Body | Faster, more intense effect; higher risk of cardiovascular issues. | Similar stimulant effect, slightly less potent than Pervitin. |
| Side Effects | High addiction potential, extreme mood swings, psychosis, paranoia, heart failure. | Addiction potential, aggression, agitation, paranoia, heart palpitations. |
The Hidden Costs: Side Effects and Post-War Consequences
Despite the short-term tactical advantages, the widespread use of these military stimulants had severe and poorly understood consequences. The dangers were virtually unknown to military leadership at the time.
Side Effects Experienced by Soldiers:
- Addiction: The high potential for dependency meant many soldiers returned home as addicts, suffering significant withdrawal symptoms like depression and fatigue.
- Psychological Disturbances: Users experienced increased anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis, leading to erratic behavior and poor judgment in critical moments.
- Physical Deterioration: The appetite-suppressing effects led to malnutrition and weight loss, while the strain on the cardiovascular system resulted in heart problems and, in some cases, cardiac failure.
- Cognitive Impairment: Chronic use impacted memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance, diminishing the very abilities the drugs were supposed to enhance long-term.
The legacy of WWII stimulants didn't end in 1945. For many returning veterans, the battlefield addiction carried over into civilian life. Amphetamines became part of the post-war underground, contributing to addiction epidemics in America and Japan. In the decades that followed, increasing awareness of the severe side effects led to stricter regulations and a better understanding of the risks involved.
Conclusion: A Troubling Legacy of Wartime Pharmacology
The pills used to stay awake in WWII were not a miracle solution but rather a Faustian bargain. While they offered a temporary reprieve from exhaustion and fear, they came at the cost of the physical and mental health of millions of soldiers. The military's state-sanctioned use of these powerful, addictive drugs marked a dark chapter in the history of medicine and warfare. The stories of Pervitin and Benzedrine serve as a stark reminder of the ethical complexities of using pharmacology to enhance human performance, leaving a legacy of addiction and trauma that profoundly affected post-war societies. Even today, with military personnel having access to modern wakefulness aids, the debate over performance-enhancing drugs in combat continues, informed by the troubling history of what were the pills for stay awake in ww2.
For additional historical context on amphetamine use in the military, the JSTOR Daily article on the RAF offers a focused look at British forces.
