Trouble with Netherlands vs Belgium war--France keeps involving itself

[Morik]

How do I keep France from becoming interested in involving itself in the war I start with Belgium? (Netherlands (me) + Prussia vs Belgium + UK)
I tried boosting relations with France before warring with Belgium, but it didn't work (only from -99 to -84...)
Do I need to wait a few years (for dip points) and boost France positive first?


EDIT: NVM, found answer here: http://www.victoria2wiki.com/War_and_Peace:_Secret_Master's_Guide_to_Diplomacy_and_Imperialism
It seems since France boosted Belgium to Friendly, they will intervene.

 

[RELee]

How do I keep France from becoming interested in involving itself in the war I start with Belgium? (Netherlands (me) + Prussia vs Belgium + UK)
I tried boosting relations with France before warring with Belgium, but it didn't work (only from -99 to -84...)
Do I need to wait a few years (for dip points) and boost France positive first?


EDIT: NVM, found answer here: http://www.victoria2wiki.com/War_and_Peace:_Secret_Master's_Guide_to_Diplomacy_and_Imperialism
It seems since France boosted Belgium to Friendly, they will intervene.

Yes. It can be very frustrating, especially if you are not a GP and can't do anything about it.

 

[crownsteler]

Historically, the Frenchies were very keen on supporting Belgian independence, so in that light it is very fitting that they'll get involved in the war.

From a gameplay point of view, the French have good relations with Belgium, and are likely turn 'friendly'. So French intervention is very likely. Not much you can do about that. Raising relations with France will help, but it will take some time for you to turn them positive.

 

[LiberiusX]

In this case, I would be patient. Belgium will often become a GP for a short time, which will keep France from intervening. Just keep an eye on the country rankings beneath the GPs. When Ottos and Spain begin to slip Belgium will usually bump up to the 7th or 8th slot. It takes a year for GP status to go away, so keep an eye on Belgium during this period and begin justifying your war.

As soon as it becomes a GP, pounce.

Otherwise, concentrate on forming protectorates and wait for the French to get wrapped up in a war against the NGF. Then take out Belgium.

 

[The Silent Hero]

Wait until the NGF forms and they can handle France. Also, after awhile, France usually puts most of their armies abroad, doesn't make any sense but you can use your navy to keep them from coming home.

 

[Dreams of Glory]

Adding to this problem is that France often builds a ton of brigades and when they mobilize, little Netherlands can't hope to compete. Best advice is to wait for NGF to form so you have a better ally to help, as the UK is useless vs. France. By waiting until mid-game you can hopefully hit Belgium when they are a GP and you will have time to research enough Army techs to outmatch them. Belgium will build a lot of factories as it is very wealthy so the lost time isn't so bad.

 

[CromagnonX]

Does the tactic of allying with Prussia on day one and attacking Belgium no longer work? Only Britain needed to be contended with then.

 

[Morik]

I did the day 1 thing and it worked out.

Unfortunately the NGF left me cause I was fighting a war on Brunnei and then wouldn't re-ally as they were allied with the UK (I also was a great power by this point).

 

[Sargeras]

I actually had the opposite problem: playing as Belgium, the Netherlands declared war on me and France helped them (I was allied with France but for unknown reasons they broke the alliance earlier and I couldn't ally with nobody else), so I was basically squashed. Best way to avoid having to fight a GP by myself?