One, is this even a viable strategy? And two, should I play with Historical AI Focuses on so that I can rely on A: the Third Reich as an ally, and B: the US getting involved in an oversees war, with Japan or otherwise. The United States is one of the largest and richest countries in the globe in 1936 and the only major power outside of Europe and Asia.

Within this path you will have the option to focus on either armored divisions or mobile divisions, with each path providing bonuses to their respective unit. I haven't played HoI4 a whole lot, so a few questions. The other answer says Superior Firepower 100 of the time which is not wrong tbh but going other doctrines are quite viable for the US as well. The default doctrine for Germany, this doctrine heavily emphasizes tanks and mobile infantry divisions. It's my favourite doctrine, though grand battleplan or superior firepower generally work better for a lot of countries. Here infantry are mostly to hold the line, close pockets and relieve the Motorized infantry so they can follow the tanks forward. Taking its northern territories will give me the resources I need to invade the US in full, establish a Reich-allied dictatorship in North America, and get my revenge for the War of 1812. Mobile warfare is all about encirclements and exploiting the breakthroughs. That doctrine line will provide significantly more soft attack punch. Giving all divisions artillery support is not a bad idea anyways.

Superior firepower is also a pretty good choice if you are not into micromanagement. Alright, so from this (and a look at the achievements), I decided I'm gonna go Fascist Canada using the Mobile Warfare Doctrine (L/R), and build around Motorized / Mechanized Infantry, Armored Cars, and Light Tank variants (SPG/TD/AA), then declare war on the US once it sends its troops overseas. Hoi4 division templates japan. I agree that mobile warfare and builiding mostly tanks is probably the best choice for you.

Hoi4 mobile warfare doctrine