Quelle/ or Source (for foreigners, so that nobody thinks we are stealing information) Skaboots genialer Post von http://shoguntotalwar.yuku.com/topic/39476


France: Strength- France should have no problems with money because of its location between many nations and the many cities and ports along it's coastlines. It's army though good would have to be the main power of France because of Britain and her navy but if they spend a good time they can overcome Britain's navy . . Also the largest army in Europe.
Weakness- Navy would not have good chance agaisnt power of Britain, and with far colonies in North America across the Atlantic, Frances colonies could face ruin and possibly France herself. Though much of her income will go to the army plus the chance of population revolt can weaken France.

Great Britain: Strength- Power in Navy means power all over the 7 seas, with colonies all over the world Great Britain's navy can ensure their safety. The greatest trade nation. Plus all the money they would get from these colonies would increase their treasury for more ships. Good position on map prevents invasion only accessible by sea.
Weakness- The larger the Empire the bigger the beast it becomes, the harder it is to tame. Wars with neighbors, revolts and rebellions within your Empire can mean disaster and ruin. Make sure the people are happy and they will make you happy in return.

Russia: Strength- Perhaps one of the largest armies in Europe (besides France), they are rising to become the most powerful nation in the world. The location can mean 1 front wars and its vast territory offers many resources and wealth. It's army is huge and it's size can cause fear in any enemy, but the army is poorly trained and equipped. After reforming they can seem unstoppable. Good wealth from population due to large agricultural society.
Weakness- Russia will need to act fast to catch up with the rest of the world. They will be most vulnerable at the beginning, though with a large army, not the best one. Quick reforming of it's army and navy is a must if Russia wishes to succeed. But once they do, other nations need to think twice before they mess with them.

Prussia: Strength- Excellent trained army, especially in line infantry. Good trade with Sweden, Denmark and Russia. If they keep good relations that is. It's infantry would be the power of her army.
Weakness- Multiple front war, though a good army, its small territory can mean it can be overrun very quickly if they are not careful. They would have to be careful splitting up armies to fight at different locations of their Empire.

Spain: Strength- Many colonies in North and South America is where most of their income would come from. A good position in Europe makes them only have 2 fronts to worry about with France and Portugal.
Weakness- A declining power. like Great Britain they would need their power in their navy to keep their colonies in the New World. Their armies are mediocre but would have a rough time with those of France. They have to get back up on their feet if they wish to remain the power they once were.

Ottoman Empire: Strength- Vast territories throughout Asia Minor and the Middle-East means plenty of wealth to supply the army. Very good janissaries and sipahi's to defend the Empire and a lot of water (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea) to do trading.
Weakness- Constant war with the Russians, Austrians and Polish can drain the treasury. Untrusted by the west, alliances would be something hard to get (expect France). Western navies would give the Ottoman's a problem so having a colonial Empire in distance lands can be almost impossible. Even though they have good janissaries and sipahi's, they are weak in other fields of the army.

Sweden: Strength- Baltic Sea for trade. A very good army to stand out against much of Europe. Good position on map means a minimum front war and with mostly coastline means that a navy is required to invade Sweden (expect Denmark and Russia).
Weakness- Main rival will be Russia, so Sweden will need to act fast before Russia gets too powerful. Navy is required to defend her country, which is matched by Denmark. Sweden must also prevent Prussia from sending troops across the sea to their country or they could face ruin. Their economy is the greatest weakness, but if they learn to muster their economy they can be the greatest power in the north.

Thirteen-Colonies: Strength- Good trading across the Atlantic with friendly factions. Good public order within it's town and cities means better planning on revolutionizing and war. Plus alliances with European nations against Great Britain can help them gain their independence.
Weakness- Not at all a power, lack in troops and equipment could mean failure in their plan for independence. Would depend heavily upon other nations for help. Guerrilla tactics would also be needed against the British Redcoats.

Austria: Strength- Cities with good tax income from the population and good wealth from rural areas. Good relations with some of it's western Europe means less wars. Moderate army to defend herself. Most income will go to economy and not all military.
Weakness- Landlocked means it must focus on land trade (roads, markets etc). No navy at all (though they don't need one). Even though it has good relations with the west they can face constant war with the Ottomans, who has a matched army to theirs. Alliances would be a good idea for the Austrians.

Poland-Lithuania: Strength- If they keep good relations with surrounding neighbors, they can get an excellent income. Moderate taxes from population. Very good horsemen.
Weakness- Limited navy and compared to other European nations not the best army. Poland cannot stand alone so alliances will be necessary. (probably the hardest faction to play with)

Holland: Strength- Second best trading nation with excellent navy and sea trade. Very wealthy cities so good taxation from population. Income will go to improving naval trade and warfare.
Weakness- Vulnerable to France and her army with their smaller army to stand agaisnt them. Also vulnerable to German states. Alliance with Great Britain can greatly increase the power of Holland.Though if both Great Britain and France are at war with Holland, they can face disaster.

Portugal: Strength- Also one of the best navies in Europe, much of their wealth like Spain comes from their colonies in the America's, also some of their comes from India. It's small territory means it should be easy to handle. Excellent sea trade along the entire Iberian Peninsula. One front wars.
Weakness- Main rival would be Spain, who's army is superior to the Portuguese. Like Prussia with small territory and population can be overrun quickly. Portugal might depend heavily on the riches of South America to survive against the strong but declining Spanish.

Denmark: Strength- Good location with trade in Baltic and North Sea. Minimum front wars. Good navy to stand against Sweden. If Sweden is taken over Danish power can greatly rise.
Weakness- Their army compared to Sweden is unmatched, their power agaisnt Sweden would have to be in their navy. Good relations with Prussia would be wise to stand agaisnt other northern powers.

Mughals: Strength- Unique army with war elephants and rocket artillery. One of the wealthiest states in the world in terms of the size of the starting treasury Potential to expand and hold on to their power to become a true superpower rivaling that of Europe.
Weakness: Internal strife and sub-par military would require major reforms to be up to scratch with the more modern Europeans. (Mughals written by copperknickers)

The Iroquois Confederacy: Strength- Many other surrounding vassal tribes. Vied for as an allie by both the British & the French. Experienced & well equiped warparties.
Weakness- Positioned right in the middle of the colonial British & French. The French Algonquin allies are stronger than ever & poised right at the door. Relatively small "citizen" population. The "lower class" is made up of conquored tribes.

The Cherokee: Strength- Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. They serve as a protection from most attacks as well as a barrier to desease. This has allowed them to miss recent epidemics and allowed for a larger population which means more warriors.
Weakness-Their nuetrallity has made them only enemies, the largest & strongest tribal entities are thier enemies sending steady streams of warparties. They come from all directions but the east.

The Sioux: Strength- They have adapted the horse well. They have excellent horse archer units that should reck havoc on any infantry.
Weakness- Their location makes thier access to firearms limited this should increase as European traders connect trade routes. The Algonquint tribes such as the Ojibwe are strong enemies that look to sever thier ties with European traders and thus firearms.
(The Iroquois Confederacy, The Cherokee and The Sioux written by nIshnabe)

Venice: Strength- One of the strongest navies in the Mediterranean, excellent sea trade and wealthy cities for a steady income. Good relations with Austria can increase military might against the Ottoman's. Alps to the north to defend from German invasion.
Weakness- Like many other nations Venice should keep good relation with close neighbors to focus on war with distant ones (like the Ottoman Empire). Failure in this can mean failure in their ambitions for the sea and hope of having different colonies in the Mediterranean. Venice's hope of having true power in Europe is in the Mediterranean and it's prosperous cities and coastlines (colonies).

Swiss Confederacy: Strength- Location between Alps make an ideal position to defend agaisnt neighbors. Good array of units, mostly consisting of melee. Known for keeping themselves out of wars.
Weakness- If they do get into wars, their neighbors army compared to them is fearful. Like other nations they should keep close relations with nearby neighbors and focus on distant ones. Also the Alps can slow down trade with other nations, so they need to focus and taxes.

Morocco: Strength- Good position on map with limited front wars (Especially with Spain). Sea trade with Portugal on Atlantic and the Mediterranean with other Nations. Good landscape ideal for farming.
Weakness- Faces invasion from Spain and the Ottoman Empire, who's armies are more superior to theirs. The Moroccans would have to use their landscape to their advantage, suppressing Spain to the north. The Ottomans would be harder to to keep back. May need alliances to stop Spain and the Ottomans from taking over Morocco.

Algiers: Strength- Recently separated from the Ottoman Empire. Good wealth from land farming trading on the Mediterranean. Armies unlike most of Europe but formidable. Good Navy.
Weakness- More likely a rebel faction due to it's piracy. The Algiers main source of wealth is from raiding and pirating. Neighboring armies can easily defeat Algerians in open battle fields. So frontier warfare would be necessary.

Sicily: Strength- One front wars due to it's location in Southern Italy. Formidable navy and army. War with the Papal States is most unlikely so Sicily can focus on colonizing the Mediterranean.
Weakness- Like Venice to become a power they would need colonies along the Mediterranean. Rivals can be Venice and the nations Sicily wishes to colonize in. Sicily should really focus in colonizing on area at a time instead of many at once. Papal States could go to war with Sicily, as well as other Italian States.

Khanate of Crimea: Strength- Good relations with Ottoman Empire to the south across Black Sea means access to trade with the Ottomans. Excellent horsemen. One front wars.
Weakness- Unfortunately there one front war is with Russia, who is superior in the military. Help from Ottoman Empire is defiantly needed to at least keep the Russians back until they can get more power. Also a vassal to the Ottomans whoever is an enemy to the Ottomans is an enemy of them. Also weak in foot infantry.

Duchy of Savoy: Strength- Good mix of Italian militia. Good relations with other Italian states. Alps to the east make good defense from Germans.
Weakness- Main enemy would be France who constantly attacks. Militia units are no match for the French. Barely enough water to do sea trading (almost nothing actually). Like many other small and weak nations alliances will be necessary particularly with other Italians and if their lucky France's main rival, Great Britain.

Republic of Genoa: Strength- Excellent naval trading in the Mediterranean, particularly the best in western part. Good position makes them only vulnerable to Savoy in the North and other Italian States in the east. Good navy.
Weakness- Will rival for Mediterranean supremacy with the rest of the Italians, so war with them can be expected. If France manages to defeat Savoy, Genoa will have a great power as their neighbor so very good relations with them is needed. Army is good compared to it's first neighbors, but as empires grow Genoa will need to watch out.

Courland: Strength- Baltic sea brings trading with nations, also good trading with neighbors. Good navy due to its Baltic position and good archers (cheap units).
Weakness- Unfortunately the age of archers is at an end and firearms are the new weapons. Surrounded by powerful neighbors Courland will need to focus on alliances with them and aid them in their wars to gain power.

Ukraine: Strength- Good location in between many nations can produce income, also located in "the bread basket of Europe" for excellent agricultural income. Good relations with the Cossack and the mercenaries can increase the power of the Ukraine army.
Weakness- Though they have army it is unprofessional compared to most of their neighbours. The Cossacks can also choose to side with the Russians, increasing the chance of the Ukraine's fall. They are most likely to be an emerging faction, so war with Russia is almost impossible to avoid. They should keep good relations with Russia's enemies to avoid downfall.

Saxony: Strength- Good army with good line infantry. Surrounded by many liked neighbours (if they keep the good relations). Good position to do land trade with Prussia and Austria. Good tax income and order from the small population.
Weakness- Good army to many other German states but inferior to Prussia and Austria, so good relations is needed with these 2 factions and if possible a pact between all 3. Lack of coastline suspends them from naval trading and having a navy. Their small population makes them have a small army, if expansion is in their mind they need to focus on conquering smaller neighbours first.

Knights of Saint John: Strength- Small territory and small population means excellent public order. Army consisting of a lot of good melee units and good ties with Great Britain, excellent but small naval trade due to being an island.
Weakness- Very small army cannot hold back agaisnt invaders, support from Great Britain is needed. The small size of the territory and population limits them from having a large army, expanding will be their greatest challenge, they would need to look for lightly defended settlements to expand.

Scotland: Strength- The dream of independence dwells in their heart and a musket in their hand make the Scottish brave and devoting warriors. To successfully revolt agaisnt their British overlords precise timing is needed, after all they are only a few hundred miles from the heart of the British Empire. They must find a time where the British will be weakest to ignite their rebellion. Support from the Scottish population is also greatly needed and to increase their chances even further, alliances with Ireland and Wales and the enemies of Great Britain.
Weakness- The British have been Scotland's overlords for centuries and much of the population of Scotland might have been assimilated to their rule, so support for the rebellion can be limited. Though a navy is not needed for the Scottish their power would have to be in their infantry which is not superior to those of the British Red Coats. If the Scottish choose a wrong time to rebel defeat is a certainty.

Bavaria: Strength- As other Germans lands, Bavaria has a good army with good line infantry. Bavaria is surrounded by many neighbours, but that don't mean it's a problem because other factions near them are some germans lands too. They have good relation with France (not sure about that however). Good public order due to the little population.
Weakness- Little population mean little army, and the other factions can try to conquer them, if they don't have good relations. They have no links to the sea, that mean they have not a such good trade. (Bavaria written by VoRgAn)

Papal States: Strength-Not the greatest military force in Europe, but has much influence on many Catholic states. So protection from Catholic neighbours can be guaranteed if under attack. Good devoting militia units to call upon if under attack. Weakness- Though the head of the Catholic Church many nations are now more nationalistic than religious. So orders and commands from the Pope to other Catholic nations can be ignored without consequence. Weak force so armies can overrun the Papal States quickly, though unlikely from other Catholic nations.
Ireland: Strength- Like the Scots, independence is wanted from Great Britain. In the same position as Scotland so alliances with Great Britain's enemies would be a good idea. if Ireland can produce a good enough navy they can delay the Brits from invading giving the Irish time to prepare the defense of their cities. Good order mainly because they are the rebels. Weakness- Failure in defending their seas, the British can send their armies to crush the rebellion. Though this fight can be won alone the chances can increase if they do get help. Inferior armies compared to Great Britain and Ireland being an island, blockades from the British will greatly reduce their treasury.
Marathas: Strength- A people united to drive out the Mughals. It's armies will be lightly armed but well experienced and trained. Powerful elephant cavalry to crush enemy infantry. They will also have excellent trading with the Europeans due to the many resources in India. Weakness- Elephants may have to be more dependent then the Maratha thought which is not only expensive but hard to handle. Marathas infantry will have trouble with the Europeans so again heavy cavalry will be needed. A vital point in the Marathas income will be from trade with western Europeans, so good relations and alliances will be a great idea.



*Note- The entire faction list of not confirmed so some factions listed above is not guaranteed of being in the game.

Note*- There was confusion that people thought this was a history report, it's not it is more related to the game (info taken from previous TW games) then real life. Sorry if you were confused. The list is more for gameplay then histoey