attacking small countries

[agv]

hi

first of all, I love this game, it rocks! thank you raleigh for your wonderful guides. I started a game with Spain yesterday and I´d like to know if there´s any way I can attack and annex small countries like Portugal or the Papacy without those countries becoming protectorates of a main country in the game. Thanks in advance

agv

[Hard Sarge]

do it fast, is the best chance

if they have friends and you declare war on them, they will most times, ask for a protector

one trick you can try, is to see if someone you are at war with already, or wants to go to war with, is on the top of the list for them, then if you DOW on them, and they do ask for help, the nation you want will come in

(if you have a Diplo next to a province you can click on the province and then on the bottom of the page, you can check there relations, and it will tell you that kind of info)

[agv]

thank your for your help. I´ve also tried another strategy. Before I attack a minor I get 2-3 majors to respect that minor´s neutrality. It doesn´t work all the time but it does often enough for me!! I also use my diplomats to make protectorates become independent and attack them right the way.

agv

[Ralegh]

great tip agv.