Is it better to befriend everyone next to me or take their territory? It's April 1939 and I have befriended Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Romania. I've annexed Albania and I'm Italy First. Between Ethiopia, Spain, Japan and training I've been able to correct my templates. I'm about to start a War with the UK in order to take away their colonies. No intention of coming anywhere near England. Then I'll do the same to France after the Fortification Effort completes. I was hoping to have all this done before Germany invades Poland but I don't think I'll be able to which is why I was wondering if taking all the Balkan(?) states would've been a better idea. At least my production and resources would've been higher since I can't get any of my "friends" into my faction yet.

Edit - Just discovered that if you focus War with the UK before Germany invades Poland "This focus currently has no effect. Changes in the world situation may affect this.". I was still able to declare war and invite my allies so I don't understand why it said that.

2nd Edit - Good lord I didn't know Britain had SO much naval power in the Mediterranean. I think I just screwed the pooch. 😞