1950s: The United States and the Soviet Union are split over Middle East loyalties and support. Fear of a nuclear war increases.

Today: The United States and England engage in war with Iraq. The United States wages war on terrorism throughout the world. North Korea possesses nuclear weapons, and the potential for nuclear war again seems all too possible.

1950s: Russian scientists launch Sputnik into orbit, initiating the space race between the United States and Russia.

Today: Beginning in the 1990s, Russian cosmonauts worked together with American astronauts on the space station Mir. The United States and Russia continue to have cooperative working efforts in space exploration and research.

1950s: Eugene O'Neill is posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize in drama for Long Day's Journey into Night.

Today: Topdog/Underdog by Suzan Lori Parks wins the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

1950s: Albert Camus receives the...