Has anyone managed to conquer the whole of Europe on the expert setting? I usually get stuck with a battle with another opposing nation. Its always a 1 on 1 thing. Never seem to have the forces to toatlly conquer the other guy.

You are joking - right?!?! I can't even play it on expert...let alone get anywhere near to beating the comp. U muust b some sort of Total War GOD !! :

Just build up alliances close to you and focus on economic growth during the first few decades. The money would start pouring in and then you can go to war during the last 100-150 years. By that time tough, there would be another empire beside you.

I find the economic growth thing a bit of a struggle. It takes me years to build up a decent supply chain, gain the allies and then trade - I prefer to gain funds via the plunder route!! I usually start in europe as the French or English and then move into and hold Spain, then I concentrate on the eastern side of Europe....

I just got betrayed by the Spainards. That was 10 years ago. Now their navy is gone, their capital ransacked and Western Europe mine. That'll teach them for breaking my alliance with me.