What were the great powers before World War I? Which do you think was the most powerful? The weakest? Why? In 1897, the German foreign secretary stated, "In one word: We wish to throw no one into the shade, but we demand our own place in the sun." What did he mean? How might his statement be considered fair? How might someone today criticize the statement? What were the alliances among the great powers before World War I? Why did the alliances exist? Why didn't they prevent the war? Why do you think losing Bulgaria as an ally was a loss for Serbia and Russia? Why were the Balkans such a problem area in Europe? Do you see other areas of the world today with problems similar to those that existed in the Balkans? Explain. What was the annexation crisis of 1908? How important do you think it was in leading to World War I? Explain.