When in game setup, go to game settings and click on Players can see complete tech tree.
After the game starts, click on your research manager and click the tech tree button on the bottom left part.
Even if you are in low tech, you will be able to see all the tech tree branches.
You won't be able to view the components as if it did, it would be the size of Manhattan Island.
On the treaty thing, the basic treaty in the game is Gunboat diplomacy. Colonize your home system, build a few attacks ships then try making treatiess
[ 09 April 2002: Message edited by: TerranC ]