I started a new game with Germany today, I started out really powerful then slipped down to last place the same way I have in every other game I've played since I recently got it. All the other cultures seem to be able to make cities, troops, and scientific advances way faster than me no matter what I do. I tried building a lot of cities and colonies right away so I could quickly build trade, resources, and workers/troops, but it failed and my civilization still sucks and gets made fun of by all the other world leaders. Any advice?