Then: Victoria's rule as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India, influenced all aspects of economy and society.

Now: The Royal Family of Great Britain holds only symbolic power and is as much a source for scandal as for inspiration.

Then: William Russell of the London Times serves as the first real war correspondent, relaying information, including stories about the army's problems, to the English public.

Now: All major U.S. television networks have correspondents stationed in Kuwait, allowing them to offer live coverage of the Persian Gulf War of 1991.