yeah, so why don't we switch this thread into this one
GERMAN CIVIL WAR IN SUMMER 1944 (AFTER HITLER'S DEATH):
- WHO ARE THE CONTENDERS ?
- WHO'S GONNA WIN ? (IN THE SHORT TERM)
i think ALL of the nazi leaders knew about the plot, so i guess that any of them had a plan to face to consequences:
- Himmler: no doubt, he's the favourite. SS and gestapo were almighy in germany. he knew about the plot (of course he knew) but let it go so that he had an excuse to exterminate his opponents. he was so efficient on 20th july that it's likely to imagine that, if the plot had succeded, he would have taken power in a few days.
- Bormann: it's true that he built his record on hitler's shadow but neverthelss he proved to be an evil genius. the weeks following 20th july bormann manage to improve his position despite the spots were initially on himmler. maybe bormann wanted himmler to expose himself and strike him later. i mean, the plot scenario was something that was very suitable for bormann!
- Goering: underrated, he was less idiot than many think. more in touch with reality than others. even though luftwaffe was no more a threat he still had a lot of charisma and many good generals ready to follow him (kesselring?). he was obsessionated with microphones so he certainly knew of the plot.
- beck and the plotters: i wouldn't bet 1 euro on them.. anyway, killng hitler could have boost them, why not?
- doenitz: i never believed the story of the "good soldier" fully dedicated to his U-boots. he knew much more than he wanted to show... he wouldn't have been out of the game.
- outsiders: speer? van mestein? canaris? reder? who else?