1911: Massive labor protests take place throughout England, with many turning violent. The British government stations more than 50,000 armed troops in London where the nationwide transportation workers' strike is threatening a nationwide famine.

1999: Labor disputes in the past year have crippled the economic gains of major corporations, including General Motors and Northwest Airlines.

1911: The National Insurance Bill, which provides for unemployment and sickness insurance, is passed in England.

1999: Many European nations utilize a system of socialized medicine. The United States continues to try to address the rising cost of healthcare through legislation aimed at reform.

1911: The first cable message is sent around the world by telegraph from New York City.

1999: Over 3.5 billion international telephone calls are made from the United States each year.