The Schutzstaffel (SS) Rebellion, also known as the Schutzstaffel (SS) coup d'état or Schutzstaffel (SS) Putsch, was an attempt by the SS under Heinrich Himmler to seize power over what they saw as a decaying and decadent Greater Germanic Reich, while the Wehrmacht was occupied fighting the West Russian War.
History[]
Background[]
Following the end of World War II, the SS held a position of power in Germany, and the economy was in a state of expansion from all the wealth of the conquered states of Europe and Africa. This prosperity soon came to a grinding halt as the ambitious projects of Adolf Hitler and Albert Speer drained the German treasury and caused the economy to collapse. To make matters worse, the West Russian Revolutionary Front had reunited the disparate warlords of Russia to take back their lost lands in Europe. It was these circumstances that lead Heinrich Himmler to plan to seize power from Hitler.
SS plan[]
The SS plan to seize power was simple: SS units would strike the much stronger Wehrmacht from the rear while they were busy in Russia, and destroy their forces. Then, the SS would march on Berlin and seize control of the country, throwing out Hitler.
The plan is foiled[]
At some point, General Hans Speidel discovered the plans, and along with several other generals, launched a pre-emptive strike against the SS, defeating them and causing some forces to flee deep into the Russian wilds.
Compromises[]
In order to prevent a full Civil War, Hitler offered Himmler an opportunity. He would take full control of Reichskommissariat Belgien-Nord Frankreich, and about half of the French State. In return he would stay out of German affairs. This was accepted, and the SS State of Burgundy was created, leaving the remaining SS in Germany under the control of his deputy, Reinhard Heydrich.
Legacy[]
Though the SS coup failed, significant SS forces remained in Germany, and mistrust between the SS and the Wehrmacht is high. Rumors abound that Himmler is still planning a second attempt.