the Supreme Court, the House of Representatives, the Military, the Police, the States, and probably even the Republicans would not accept such a coup détat.
The last four years have taught us (in the U. S.) that institutions are fragile. We wouldn't be the first nation to see our 'secure' government give way to the cult of personality.
Votes are being counted now, as I write. If Trump loses there will be a lame-duck period (until January 23) in which he can work mischief. He has stacked the Court. The Senate is gutless. Even if the Senate majority turns Democratic, there is still the lame-duck session in the Senate, during which that body can endorse Trump's mischief. No blood will be shed. The military will support civilian rule, as it always has.
The House of Representatives will try to put up road blocks. But remember, Trump has been stacking courts throughout the country with judges. As rulings come in to support 'Executive actions', the House will be able to do nothing.
Ok, so this is a nightmare scenario. But it wouldn't be the first time in history that such a thing happened.
5 days later, and the situation does not look much better. Uncertain times ahead, I think.
This answer may be inappropriately sincere, but here goes:
It breaks my heart to see a democracy I believed in as a child being eviscerated. I studied history...wasn't a great student, but learned a lot about how governments change when people think change is not possible. Governments collapse when people feel secure. This is such an old story. All the checks and balances we were taught existed to prevent authoritarian rule...what good are they if people don't understand them? If people don't care about them? In the end, no matter how a government is designed, it is only as good, as secure as the people we entrust it to.
In this case, it is not just legislators and leaders who are letting us down. It is the public, a people ready to believe false promises, false rumors. People who don't realize what they may be giving up.
It's not too late. The courts may save the process. Leaders may step forward yet and correct the course. But, as you say, uncertain times ahead.
As I am also very interested in history, I can fully understand you.
Let's hope the mistakes of the 1920s and 30s won't be repeated.