Venice strategy
From EU3 Wiki
Venice. The Most Serene Republic. The greatest trading city in the whole of Italy in her prime. She was at once the mistress of the Mediterannean and its greatest packhorse; the greatest Adriatic naval power and vassal of the Byzantine Empire. Venice maintained her independance for an impressive thousand years until her end by Napoleon. Should you choose to guide - not control, guide - this fairest of cities, consider yourself successful should you achieve the same.
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[edit] Strengths:
Venice is a maritime and economic power. Historically, she dominated trade between Europe and the Middle East, and she was so successful that her Ducats became widely used. However, in-game, she begins much as any other country, and it is up to you to create her competitive advantages. In order to dominate the trading world, it needs to adopt the Shrewd Commerce Practice and National Trade Policy ideas, as well as invest highly into trade technology. Once done, you can easily maintain five merchants in every COT. The resulting income can easily boost your income by half.
She has two generals at the start of the game. One of whom is exceptionally good. However, although it is to be noted that he will die soon after the start of the game, he may be useful for prosecuting an early war.
[edit] Weaknesses:
Venice is a geographically dispersed nation. Her holdings range from Venice and the surrounding hinterland to Cyprus. As such, she is exposed to potential hostilities from many nations, notably: Austria, which threatens her vital hinterland and Venice itself; Hungary, her holdings on the Dalmatian coast; and the growing Ottoman Empire, the historical bane of Venice, which threatens her holdings in Greece and the Eastern Mediterannean.
[edit] Opportunities:
Dispite her weaknesses, her geographical position provides her with opportunities to expand in Northern Italy. She is at war with Milan in 1453 who is to the west and owns two provinces. Although Milan often forms an alliance at the beginning of the game, she should be completely defeated easily enough unless she is allied to one of the major powers - France or Austria. Remember to preserve your Naval superiority and land a force to take Corsica, which will allow you a 100% warscore.
From the wealth generated by trade, Venice can also easily dominate any of the small Italian states. Since her form of government does not allow for Royal Marriages, conquest is the way to go. Should you want to pursue conquest by marriage, Venice may convert to a Feudal Monarchy at the cost of 4 stability. You may also adopt the age old: have an ally do the annexing for you and backstab them later strategy. In this case, Tuscany will serve as an excellent ally. She is often very receptive to an alliance at the start of the game and is a two state country.
Once Northern Italy is secured under the rule of the Doge, the rest of Italy should be simpler, provided there are no complicating alliances. The formation of Italy might then be an option.
From there on, you may be considered a major power - in the same league of Austria, France, Spain, or the Ottoman Empire, and options to expand in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or in the New World are open to you. Congratulations.
[edit] Threats:
Despite the opportunities available, beware the threats. At 1508, the League of Cambrai (avalible as a scenario even in the demo) consisting of the Papal states, Holy Roman Empire and France was formed against Venice. At the outset, the Venetian collapse was complete, and although it ended the war in status quo, the League illustrates the bane of Venice: a united, multinational foe. With the financial assets (and liberal use of loans and mercenaries) to cope, Venice has the capability to fight any one of the great powers to a standstill. However, place any two powers together and the situation becomes very dire. Therefore, endeavour to forge alliances between yourself and at least one major power. You may relax when your enemies are divided, but make preparations if they become united.
