1443-1448 : Genua is diplo-annected
A general is recruited. A church is queued in Treviso. Bavaria and Tirol white peace.
Even with penalties Venice is the richest country in the world - at peace. War taxes favour nations with high taxation.
At last, Cremona defects to Milan. Bohemian troops have come to Roma, they are at war with the Pope.
Pisa is also in trouble. A nasty event makes us lose stability if we don't want to lose army tradition. Naples annects Pisa !
The time of annecting Genua has come so I select a diplomat candidate which turns out to be administrative.
We accidentally take a loan. Stability is back to normal in January. In February 1445 I try and annect Genua and they refuse.
I change the national focus to Safi to speed conversion. Soon Safi is converted.
Brandenburg is the new Emperor.
And on 31th July 1445, Genua is diplo-annexed. We have two COTs.
I would find out later, though, that having an uncored COT is a big penalty when trading in foreign COTs.
On 6 August 1445 I can also move a slider. I choose Free Subjects, hoping also to reduce Inflation. I lose manpower instead.
Milan becomes a vassal of Switzerland.
Now I need all the diplomats I can get to extend Genua's reach -as far as trade is concerned.
Of course I have to make Genua leave the empire.
But an opportunity arises. France annects Savoy, and France is excommunicated !
I notice France's Savoy is ravaged by rebels and France has very few troops .
Regrettably, they are guaranteed by England, and Castille would not join us in such a war.
Gov Tech 7 is researched. While I ask for trade rights all over the place, France collapses - but they still have Ile de France.
Time passes and Venice is back as Income number 1.
We have the greatest cardinal chance - but no cardinal !
Reelection. Since war is coming, I choose a military candidate.
War is declared on Ferrara on the 14th September 1448.