1890s: The British Empire is at its strongest, controlling more than 4 million square miles worldwide, including India and large parts of China and Africa.

Today: After losing control of foreign lands that were once a part of the British Empre, Great Britain heads the Commonwealth of Nations.

1890s: Desiring control of South African gold mines, the British go to war against the Boers in South Africa.

Today: South Africa is an independent and democratic country.

1890s: At the turn of the century, the population of England and Wales is approximately 32.5 million.

Today: The population of England and Wales is approximately 50.5 million.