Part 2

Explore the starting nations and leaders in Civilization IV, including the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish, and their unique traits.

When you begin Civilization IV, you can choose to lead one of four major empires: the Dutch, English, French, or Spanish colonies. Each colony starts with a Caravel ship, a Colonist with tools, and a Soldier. The Dutch receive a Merchantman instead of a Caravel. The English start with two free colonists, a pioneer, and a soldier. The Spanish receive a pioneer and Veteran Soldiers, while the French get Hardy Pioneers and normal soldiers.

Each nation has two leaders, each with a distinct trait that modifies their empire's operations. Additionally, each empire has a general trait; the Dutch are more enterprising, and the Spanish are more warlike.

The Dutch

Special Trait - Mercantile: Market prices are less sensitive. This trait is beneficial as market prices can become a significant income source. As your colonies become more efficient and produce more goods, selling them in Europe will cause prices to drop due to increased supply and fulfilled demand. The Mercantile trait mitigates this price drop for a time.

Leaders:

• Peter Stuyvesant - Industrious: Provides a +25% Hammer Production bonus in all Settlements. This bonus increases production by a quarter, leading to 25% extra Founding Father points over the course of the game. This bonus is particularly effective when combined with Founding Fathers who also increase hammer production, such as Alexander Hamilton, ensuring decent production even without carpenters or lumber.
• Andiaen Van Der Donck - Charismatic: Grants +100% Time between Tax Increases. This leader extends the duration before your home nation increases taxes on your colony, which is useful as taxes can reduce profits.

The English

Special Trait - Tolerant: Requires -25% Crosses for Immigration. This trait provides more free units at docks in Europe, but you do not control the type of immigrants received, which can be problematic if you receive units you do not need.

Leaders:

• George Washington - Disciplined: Requires -50% Soldier Equipment. This trait reduces the cost of arming soldiers by 50%, which is extremely useful for the final push for independence, especially as arming soldiers at European docks becomes increasingly expensive.
• John Adams - Libertarian: Provides +25% Liberty Bells Generation in all Settlements. This is a highly beneficial trait as Liberty Bells are crucial for declaring independence (requiring at least 50% Liberty Bells) and can also increase production.

The French

Special Trait - Cooperative: Natives are more tolerant towards territory encroachment, and there is -50% time spent Living Among Natives to Learn a new skill. This trait allows for less friction with native populations when encroaching on their land and reduces the time needed to learn skills like Fur Trapping and Cotton Farming, which are not available for purchase in Europe and can only be taught by natives.

Leaders:

• Samuel De Champlain - Enterprising: Provides +100% Conversion Rate from Missions. Missions are a way to convert natives, who can teach valuable field skills. However, this trait may be less necessary if you have access to expert units.