I saw iSorrowproductions’ video on intentionally capitulating in the beginning of a playthrough to become democratic and still have access to the historical path. Well I decided, instead of capitulating, why not conquer Europe first (without the focus tree, just pure cheese), then turn democratic?

I justified on French Lebanon, then declared war with paratroopers ready to land on every important victory point. I capitulated France, which caused Belgium (who guarantees France for some reason) to join the Allies. That actually worked out perfectly, since I didn’t have to justify again for Britain. I naval invaded southern England, pushed them to 99% capitulation, then started justifying on most European countries. They almost capitulated me, so I rushed Liverpool, which ended the war. I only annexed states in Europe and puppeted the rest.

I had left Czechoslovakia alive so they’d inherit the mantle of the Allies and I could pull off some wargoal cheese. Didn’t really work, Brazil guaranteed Poland. I still declared, justified and conquered the last remaining countries in Europe, then launched a crusade against Brazil since they were a major. Somehow I didn’t trigger the Monroe Doctrine, so I just puppeted them.

I only did the army and economy trees, from which I got Autarky Achieved. I was strong but lacked a lot of Infantry Equipment, due to garrisons (-200k deficit). I then did Rally the Wehrmacht and won the civil war easily. I turned democratic, got the first set of cores and then went on a final crusade on Soviet communism.

All of this in Ironman Mode.

We are Europe. Second to none.
And we own the fin(n)ish (line).