Germs

I realized that I was significantly above the rest of the competing Empires. I was the only empire to develop Guns and swords and had developed three world wonders. I also started to develop Galleons and other boats to cross the Atlantic and explore the Americas, and I could easily declare war and defeat smaller nations. These advantages over the competing nations means that the other nations would not even think of starting a war with me due to the fact that I could easily defeat them; however, even though I gained this hegemony status does not mean that I can walk over and take advantage of other nations. Being aware of my empire’s status compared to my neighbors’ status is important to determine where I stand in the international system.

According to Diamond, the key to success is to gain germs, guns, and steel; I have guns and steels, and maybe once I enter the Americas I can spread disease in order to conquer them easier. (I actually do not know if this is possible in the game, but I will eventually see) I am currently sending Galleons over to Americas with one settler, one worker, and one knight or other military protection. In Guns, Germs, and Steel, Diamond describes Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador, conquering the Incas in 1535. I hope to have the same success when I cross the Atlantic as Pizarro did, and the reason that he had such success was based on the fact that the Spaniards were exposed to more diseases than the Incas were. So when the Spaniards came in contact with the Incas they spread their diseases killing most of them. The spread of germs really started with the herding of animals when humans came in contact with these animals the animals were able to spread their diseases. I do not think that germs will play a major role in my game, but if the game parallels real world history it really should. Germs have caused many deaths and struck fear in people even to this day. Diseases have defiantly shaped people’s behaviors and cultures (practicing medicine, vaccines, and disposal of garbage)