1910: The British Empire includes India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, parts of Africa and Indonesia, and many islands scattered across the globe.

Today: Many countries formerly a part of the British Empire have achieved sovereignty but hold membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of independent and dependent nations which recognize the United Kingdom of Great Britain as Head of the Commonwealth.

1910: The cost of a Rolls Royce is approximately 1,100 British pounds; less expensive motorcars can be had for approximately 200 British pounds.

Today: The cost of a Rolls Royce is approximately 125,000 British pounds; less expensive cars can be had for approximately 6,000 British pounds.

1910: A college education at Oxford or Cambridge University is reserved only for the wealthy.

Today: Scholarships and aid from state funds have made an Oxford or Cambridge education much more affordable.

1910: For the first time in British history, a majority...