Usually I just declare war for Holstein to add them to my sphere on the very first day of the game and just focus all of my diplomatic influence on Saxony, Luxembourg, Hanover, and the other South German states. Victoria 2 hpm germany NGF in HPM through an event or decision? Once the Austrians and all the other German Minors are in your sphere, THEN you click the 'Three Hurrahs for Germany' button.