1956: The welfare state was in place in England with public ownership of the main public utilities, such as the telephone, gas, and electric production, national health was in place, and a national welfare system that provided at least minimal economic security for nearly the whole population.

Today: The public utilities have been privatized, and there have been broad reductions in public programs, including national health.

1956: The European Common Market was still an idea and movement across national boundaries was strictly controlled.

Today: The European Common Market is firmly in place, Europe is on the brink of having a common currency, and borders between countries are practically open.

1956: The Cold War between blocks of nations led by two superpowers was in full effect and nuclear annihilation was felt as a constant possibility.

Today: With the collapse of the Soviet Union the Cold War was effectively...