Second Kampfzeit
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The Second Kampfzeit is a succession crisis in the Greater Germanic Reich in the immediate aftermath of Adolf Hitler's death in October 1963, as Albert Speer, Martin Bormann, Hermann Göring and Reinhard Heydrich compete to become the next Führer and Chancellor of the Reich. Its name recalls the First Kampfzeit of 1933, in which Hitler consolidated his control over Germany and eliminated the opposition. The power struggle will have massive repercussions throughout the world, as Germania entering a state of paralysis causes a chain reaction of conflicts throughout the world.
Background
The Power Struggle in Germania
Ever since the early years of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, many of the high-ranking officials were hostile to one another. Petty disagreements and conflicting goals and ambitions were commonplace, with one of the few things party members could agree on being that Adolf Hitler was in charge. This situation came to a head in recent years. Hitler's health began to decline in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His mind and body deteriorated, and the various factions within the Reich began fighting for influence on the dying Hitler so that he would declare them the rightful successor to his position.
Choosing A Successor
The Führer's condition was worsening and it was becoming very apparent that his days were numbered. Someone would have to succeed him eventually, so the Reich would hopefully not collapse when he passed on. There were four people who could take up the position: Reich Minister of Economics Albert Speer, Head of Party Chancellery Martin Bormann, Vice-Chancellor Hermann Göring, and Deputy Reichsführer-SS Reinhard Heydrich. But the real question was who would lead the Reich to a better future?
The Crisis
By October 1963, Hitler would finally pass away from natural causes and a state funeral was held shortly thereafter. It would not be long before the Reich falls into chaos and paralysis, with Speer, Bormann, Göring, and Heydrich all competing for the position of Führer and Chancellor. And the victor of this struggle will not just change European history but world history forever.