Quick question to throw out to more learned AH.com folks: if Hitler had died in early February 1943 of natural causes - say due to a rage-induced stroke or brain haemorrhage after being informed of the 6th Army's surrender in Stalingrad - what are the immediate political ramifications in Nazi Germany? Would there be an orderly transfer of power to Goering, an attempted seizure of power by Himmler and the SS, a Guderian dictatorship backed by Speer, a coup by a junta of Wehrmacht generals, collegial government by the remaining senior Nazis, or some other combination? A brief civil war with all the elements above coming into play?
Also, how would news of Hitler's death be received on the international stage, both by the Allies, neutrals, and other Axis powers?
Thanks in advance for all and any feedback.