I've now reached 1855 in my first PON game, which has mainly been aimed at learning how to play.
The point I'm at now seems to be a bit of a dead end, however, because my options as Belgium are so limited.
I've managed to get the economy in pretty good shape, and only some minor tinkering with this is necessary from time to time. I've also made sure that Belgium is well defended with strong forts and garrisons to discourage attack. At the same time, I've boosted relations with Great Britain and France to around plus 40, although I'm reluctant to go for any military treaty for fear of being dragged into some disastrous war. Meanwhile, despite the cordial relations, the two countries always seem to refuse anything except state visits and commerical agreements because Belgium's government form is "weak" and "lacks reforms", even though I've passed just about every reform possible.
Meanwhile here's the situation in Africa:
I was told on another thread that events relating to Belgian Congo will fire only as of 1870-1880, so I've tried to concentrate on an area that is perhaps slightly to the north (although I must admit that I'm not sure exactly which provinces the traditional Belgian Congo covers).
Meanwhile, the Portuguese are now encroaching fast onto territory where I had CP up to 35 percent. They've already declared a protectorate over the most southerly province shown, with my CP now falling there. And they are now moving north.
There doesn't seem to be anything that I can do about this. I can't declare war on Portugal because despite building up a large naval base in Antwerp I don't have the option of building any warships. Meanwhile, the main tribal area shown (I can't remember its name) refuses to allow any military forces in, and I can only carry out expeditions there. I don't have the cards to form a protectorate or move on to any further stage.
Has anyone played right through as Belgium. Is it really worth me continuing with this particular game? or should I call it a day and start with a country that has more options?
I'm certainly aware of the fact that I'm probably not doing things properly.