14 DAY TRIAL // There are eight Great Powers in Victoria II and its expansion and eight minor ones that try to gain the same stature as the big ones, and it is largely the actions of these countries that mainly determine the fate of the world after the first few years.
When playing a country in Europe, especially a big one like France, Austria or Prussia, the computer-controlled nations have a tendency to create a chain of alliances that make it hard for the player to expand via warfare and, after less than six years in my game, I find that I cannot declare war without getting in a huge entanglement with almost all of Europe.
I would like to assault Austria, using the hegemony Cassus Belli, in order to become the de facto leader of the Germanic nations and prepare for the process that will lead to the creation of German First Reich.
The problem is that my southern brothers, despite being less liked by the German people, have managed to secure an alliance with Great Britain, the biggest country in the game when the 1836 start date is used, one which can easily deploy its might both on the seas and on the land of Europe.
As if this wasn’t enough, they also have the backing of Russia, the great Eastern empire of many and poor-quality brigades, and Turkey, the would-be sick man of Europe.
They are also linked to Sweden, which pretty much means that I am surrounded by countries that will probably attack me if I decide to go after Austria.
My only chance is to set my military budget to the maximum, while also encouraging the military minded population with two of my national focuses, and research the field trying to build up a clear technological advantage, which will allow my smaller armies to defeat the ones of my enemies.
Also I have a secret force to deploy: von Moltke.