Did the Nazis invent Meth? If so, for what purpose?

Answer 1

Methamphetamine (aka meth) was first synthesized in Japan in 1893 by Nagayoshi Nagai. In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine (aka crystal meth) was synthesized by Akira Ogata. A related chamical, amphetamine, was first synthesized in Germany in 1887 by Lazăr Edeleanu.

As to the Nazis, they indeed used methamphetamine during World War II under the trade name Pervitin to enhance troops' (especially commandos', pilots', and tank crews') resistance to fatigue. In addition to pills, meth was also added to chocolates, which were popularly known as Fliegerschokolade ("flyer's chocolate") or Panzerschokolade ("tanker's chocolate").

Adolf Hitler received daily intravenous injections of methamphetamine since 1942 to help him overcome depression and fatigue. Some say that injections were to treat Hitler's Parkinson's disease, others, that his Parkinson's-like symptoms were in fact caused by abuse of methamphetamine.

Answer 2

Methamphetamine was first synthesized from ephedrine in Japan in 1893 by chemist Nagayoshi Nagai.
In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine was synthesized by Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine using red phosphorus and iodine.
The related compound amphetamine was first synthesized in Germany in 1887 by Lazăr Edeleanu.

During WW2 German soldiers/tankers/flyers were prescribed meth. Hitler was given meth by his personal Dr to treat depression.

Answer 3

I am not sure about inventing the stuff, but I remember hearing that the storm troopers that swept across a lot of Europe used a meth like stimulant to keep them going for long stretches.

Answer 4

I watched that movie about the beginnings of the CIA with Matt Damon in it. They used a form of Meth in there as a form of truth serum which they claim to have come from the German. Not sure if the referencing in this movie is correct.

Answer 5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methamphetamine#History