In Europa Universalis IV, playing as Bohemia opens up unique strategic opportunities within the Holy Roman Empire, and one of the most interesting moves early in the game is to subjugate Brandenburg. This maneuver, while requiring careful diplomatic, military, and political planning, can dramatically shift the balance of power in Central Europe in your favor. Whether you are aiming for a dominant imperial presence or just securing strong allies, turning Brandenburg into a vassal is both a bold and rewarding move for any Bohemian campaign.
Why Target Brandenburg?
Strategic Position in the HRE
Brandenburg is centrally located within the Holy Roman Empire, and its provinces are highly valuable due to their trade power, development, and military potential. Subjugating Brandenburg gives Bohemia more than just territory; it grants influence over a rising power that historically became Prussia. By securing Brandenburg early, Bohemia not only gains access to more soldiers and income but also removes a potential long-term rival.
Preempting Future Threats
If left unchecked, Brandenburg often grows into a formidable military state. Subjugating them before they form Prussia or ally with Austria or Poland can prevent serious challenges in the future. Early control limits their expansion and keeps the power structure within the Empire more favorable to Bohemian interests.
Preparing for Subjugation
Diplomatic Setup
Before making any moves, it’s important to secure allies and manage aggressive expansion. The following steps are helpful in laying the groundwork:
- Improve relations with Austria and Hungary to prevent coalitions.
- Ally or guarantee smaller neighboring states to isolate Brandenburg diplomatically.
- Use Bohemia’s position as an Elector to build political capital within the HRE.
Another critical element is whether you intend to pursue the Hussite path or remain Catholic. Staying Catholic may offer more political leverage in the Empire, while Hussite gives internal stability and military bonuses that can aid in wars.
Timing and Opportunities
Look for the right timing. Brandenburg often starts the game with only a few provinces and limited manpower. An early war, ideally within the first 10 years, gives you the best shot before they build strong alliances. Wait until they are weakened by another war or distracted by rebels for optimal success.
Military Approach to Vassalization
Declaring War
The ideal CB (Casus Belli) for subjugating Brandenburg is Subjugation or Force Vassalization, both of which become available through missions, events, or fabricated claims if you already have a diplomatic relationship. Alternatively, you can use the Conquest CB and negotiate a vassalization in the peace deal if the war score allows it.
Handling Allies
Brandenburg’s alliances may include Saxony, Mecklenburg, or even Poland if the game progresses far enough. Bring in strong allies like Austria or Hungary to deal with enemy coalitions. Use your manpower wisely, occupy their provinces quickly, and focus on breaking their will to continue the war by targeting forts and capital cities first.
War Tips
- Focus on siege: Bring siege generals and cannons if possible to reduce war length.
- Stack wipe early armies: Brandenburg starts with a small force. A quick strike weakens their morale and defense.
- Cut supply lines: Control surrounding provinces to limit their maneuverability and reinforcements.
Negotiating the Peace Deal
Using the Force Vassalization Option
Once Brandenburg’s army is defeated and their capital is occupied, negotiate a peace that includes Force Vassalization. This typically costs around 6080% war score. Be careful with aggressive expansion; depending on your other wars and diplomatic relations, this can easily spark a coalition.
Consider also demanding war reparations or money to weaken them financially. Do not overreach by demanding too much land directly; your main goal is subjugation, not outright conquest in this step.
Managing Aggressive Expansion
Use the Improve Relations diplomatic action liberally with neighboring HRE nations to cool down AE. If AE reaches critical levels, delay further expansion and focus on development or internal reforms.
Benefits of Vassalizing Brandenburg
Military Support
Vassal Brandenburg will field armies to support your future wars. Their military traditions and ideas make them a valuable combat partner, especially as you head into mid-game conflicts against powers like Austria, Poland, or the Ottomans.
Territorial Expansion
Once Brandenburg is your vassal, you can feed them additional provinces in future wars, increasing their strength while keeping AE in check. Later, when you integrate them diplomatically, you’ll gain a large portion of Germany under your control without direct conquest.
Electoral Influence
As an Elector state, having Brandenburg as a loyal vassal means influencing at least one vote within the HRE. This can tilt elections in your favor, helping you become Emperor or maintain an ally as Emperor. It adds to your diplomatic strength and can be leveraged in reforms.
Long-Term Strategy After Subjugation
Integrating Brandenburg
After several decades, and once diplomatic relations are maxed and stability is high, you can begin the integration process. Be mindful of the high diplomatic cost and potential unrest this causes. Plan for a smooth integration by preparing your economy and reducing overextension elsewhere.
Turning Bohemia into a Central European Power
With Brandenburg under your control, expand further into Saxony, Silesia, or Bavaria. Use a mix of diplomatic annexation and targeted wars to consolidate territory. Secure trade dominance in the Saxony and Baltic trade nodes and aim to dominate Central Europe economically and militarily.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Coalitions and AE Management
Subjugating a fellow Elector early can spark significant AE. Manage it by pacing your wars, improving relations with neighbors, and allying key HRE powers. If needed, release small nations or return cores to reduce AE from previous wars.
Rebellions and Unrest
Vassalizing a state can lead to rebellion events, especially if you integrate them too quickly or overextend. Keep a strong army presence and watch for unrest. Maintain legitimacy and stability at all times to suppress internal instability.
Diplomatic Isolation
Over-aggression may cause allies to turn against you or prevent new alliances. Cultivate strong diplomacy by granting favors, offering military support, and joining defensive leagues. If necessary, use marriage alliances to secure long-term partnerships.
Subjugating Brandenburg as Bohemia in Europa Universalis IV is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can transform your campaign into a powerhouse within the Holy Roman Empire. By securing this early-game rival, Bohemia gains a strong military ally, territorial leverage, and a major step toward regional dominance. With smart diplomacy, well-timed wars, and careful expansion, this bold move will pave the way for a thriving Bohemian empire that can stand toe-to-toe with the greatest powers of Europe.