#068 - Adam Zientek: Wine, War, and Mutiny – The French Army’s Drinking Culture in WWI

In this episode, UC Davis Professor Adam Zientek takes us on a deep dive into the unexpected role of alcohol in World War I, explaining how wine rations sustained French soldiers, boosted morale, and even played a role in mutinies. He unpacks the cultural and medical perceptions of alcohol in early 20th-century France, where wine was seen as a patriotic and medicinal necessity, while distilled spirits were demonized.

Zientek also explores the psychological impact of alcohol on soldiers, how it helped manage fear in battle, and the fascinating historical parallel to modern biochemical interventions in warfare. The conversation then pivots to his latest research on the early days of aerial warfare, tracing the evolution of strategic bombing from World War I through its moral and technological implications in colonial and modern conflicts.

With captivating stories from his archival research in France, this episode offers a unique look at how war, culture, and technology intertwine in unexpected ways.

 

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/adam-zientek

 

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