Benefits of joining a Power Block

[Redhistorian]

Former Victoria 2 player (almost a decade since I last played) who is enjoying Victoria 3, but struggling with understanding the nuts and bolts of the game's mechanics. Since purchasing the game I have played about 30 years in game with Portugal and the Netherlands to try learn the basics of warfare and economics, but never touched the Power Block feature.

I am now about 10 years into a proper game with Argentina trying to become an agrarian Power. I have managed to conquer Chile, Paraquay, and Uruguay, but I am hitting a wall with population that is causing other issues (pops migrating between key states dropping infrastructure and lowering production). A bigger issue for me is that unlike Victoria 2, it seems pops from outside my country rarely migrate to mine. I have had one instance of a mass migration event from Chile pre-conquest despite having an attraction of 70+ in 3 states and that is it for immigration. This is leaving some of my farms not fully occupied despite having wheat at +25% market price and the farms being relatively profitable compared to about 2/3s of the other buildings (+$7).

I was wondering if joining the UKs Power Block was the solution. I have three questions related to that:

1. How do I join a Power Block?I have max relations and an investment deal with them and still cannot.

2, Does joining a Power Block mean you are part of the leader's market?

3. Do you get migration from countries in the Power Block?

I would be happy for any detailed explainers of some of the features, whether Youtube or written. I have perused the wiki, while useful, it does not seem to explain many of the mechanics in detail. I would be particularly interested if there is a guide on increasing immigration.

[Peez Machine]

1) To join a bloc, it needs to have +200 leverage over you. Trade routes, foreign investment, certain diplomatic pacts (especially the "host power bloc embassay" one) will increase leverage. Leverage changes take time to manifest.

2) The market depends. Certain bloc types or principles have the "customs union" tag, which means that everyone in the bloc is in the leader's market. The British Empire is the "sovereign empire" type, which means that by joining it, you enter their market, but you also become their subject. In general, this type of bloc is there strictly for the benefit of the leader.

3) I don't think there's any inherent migration impact for bloc? There is a migration-specific principle that might allow the leader to force open borders on members?

If you want people, check your laws for migration and cultural acceptance. Also spring for the greener pastures decree.

[Redhistorian]

Originally posted by Peez Machine:

1) To join a bloc, it needs to have +200 leverage over you. Trade routes, foreign investment, certain diplomatic pacts (especially the "host power bloc embassay" one) will increase leverage. Leverage changes take time to manifest.

2) The market depends. Certain bloc types or principles have the "customs union" tag, which means that everyone in the bloc is in the leader's market. The British Empire is the "sovereign empire" type, which means that by joining it, you enter their market, but you also become their subject. In general, this type of bloc is there strictly for the benefit of the leader.

3) I don't think there's any inherent migration impact for bloc? There is a migration-specific principle that might allow the leader to force open borders on members?

If you want people, check your laws for migration and cultural acceptance. Also spring for the greener pastures decree.

Thanks for the answers. Particularly #2 was a big help. On what is my first full playthrough, I do not want to become a subject of the UK because it would be hard to undo. I might see if some of the other Blocks allow me to become part of their market without being a vassal.

I have 3 greener grass edicts running to little avail so far, but I will keep them going.