Why did certain countries become great powers while other did not?

Many countries that had become great powers had more powerful allies than others. These allies helped these countries gain more power until they were able to fend for their own. Some countries didnt have as great as allies to help them through the power wars

Many countries that had become great powers had more powerful allies than others. These allies helped these countries gain more power until they were able to fend for their own. Some countries didnt have as great as allies to help them through the power wars

Because they wanted to have the ability and expertise to exert its influence on a global scale. 

Because they wanted to have the ability and expertise to exert its influence on a global scale.