The thing is in 1938 the SS is a shadow of what it was in 1943/44, or even 1941. Their power is very limited and massively eclipsed by the Army. In 1938 it is not within the capacity of the SS to seize power for the hardliners. Also as for Gobbles although he was a key part of the regime he didn't really wield too much personal power or influence IIRC. He's more of a card then a player if you will.
SS had been powerful enough in 1934, hadn't it?The destruction of SA was something were the German establishment not only looked the other way, they fully supported it, and to extent demanded it.
I think you bring up some very good point, but the problem is that Himmler and Goebbles simply lacked the legitimacy Hitler had, as he had won the elections which brought the party in power. So if Himmler and Goebbles even had the ability to take power, we would likely see a military coup. Hess while political incompentent and lacking in charisma, do have some legitimacy, but I think his failings will keep him from power. But Goring is really the only man with the connections to the army and the establishment to take power, plus he was also seen as the likely successor to Hitler and when he has become president, kansler or whatever title he want to take, I can't see anyone in the party being able to get rid of him, even if he turn into a junkie.
Good point, but the 3rd Reich was not USSR, USSR had three groups which a successor had to deal with; the party, the army and the security service.
Germany had many faction, the party, the army, Gestapo, the nobility, the capitalists, the churches etc. and while some can be ignored, not a single faction can take power on it own, maybe with the exception of the army.
As for the question. I believe Göring would take power, I don't think he would share Hitler's expansionism. Hitler was a megalonical gamble, while Göring was more of a opportunist. So I think he will take Sudentenland, but keep from making the next step. If Poland show weakness at some point he will likely go after the 1914 border, but only after reaching a agreement with the other majorr powers.
Jews will not see a improvement in civil rights, but neither will we see the Final Solution. After a few decades the regime will likely collapse Spanish style and Göring may have reestablished the monarchy.
Today Hitler would likely be seen as a mix of Bismarck and Ataturk, a strong leader which fully united Germany and placed it in its "rightful" place of power, but who also had some unpleasant aspects. Thee modern NSDAP would likely just be somewhat autocratic conservative party with anti-Semitic elements, which regulary won German elections.
