Hitler's Paris Surprise

I think in otl Stalin was surprised when Hitler attacked, so, I reckon that implies that Stalin had no (short term?) plans to attack Germany. But, yes, with Hitler gone, maaaybe Stalin could be more tempted. Or not.

Germany gets to keep a large chunk of Europe for the duration. Without the raging Russian army pounding from the east, Nazi-ruled Fortress Europe stands... until the Americans drop some atomic ordinance on German targets.

For a split second, I wondered if America would hesitate to nuke Caucasian targets. Then, I remembered Dresden, etc., and figured, mushroom clouds over Munich, anyone?


And yes, I know, this is merely a restatement of what others have said already :D
 
IOTL there is debate about what Stalin's intentions were. Some argue that he planned an invasion of pre-June 1941 German territory, but at a time of his choosing. Hitler's Barbarossa pre-empted him.

In this scenario it seems Uncle Joe would have an interest in stirring-up guerilla war and other troubles in France, all the more to tie down the German forces, keep them busy and away from the Eastern border. The Red Orchestra has new sheet music to play.

I wonder if a more conscensus based Nazi collective leadership, which is what I see coming out of this, would declare war on America, even if Japan attacked as it did IOTL. I don't necessarily see that happening, at least not in the IOTL time frame.

I wonder if a more thoughtful west policy might take the shape of trying to win over the United States through commerical ties, or at the very least, develop a wedge between the US and the British Empire.

Would America (meaning here the political and business class) be so adverse to a Nazism without Hitler's messianic zeal? Keep in mind the final solution hasn't occurred yet, and may not now.
 
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