Game is more fun without the manual, believe me
For example, extensive revolts (or is it rebel occupation of the capitol?) which sprung up from war exaustion cause Government to collapse!
I was really happy to see that ... the effect was only that I lost a 20 or so provinces to half a dozen old/new independant nations.
If I knew that would happen, I would have let it happen earlier, but instead I bleed all over the place for 4 or 5 years (Russia)