Between 1936 and 1939, Nazi Germany operated the thirds largest whaling fleet in the world. Its giant processing ships roamed the Antarctic, almost driving the Blue Whale to extinction. All to make one vital product: margarine.

Nazi Germany was not the only nation to take up whaling on an industrial scale. In the 1930s, Great Britain and Germany bought almost 85% of all whale oil in the world. The Nazi obsession with national self-sufficiency led to them becoming one of the top whaling nations in just a few short years. It also created a Nazi strategic obsession with antarctica that continues to fuel conspiracy theories today.

Guest: Dr Alex Clarke: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrAlexClarke⁠