1960s: Nigeria is in a period of social, political, and economic instability after winning independence.

Today: Political, economic, and social instability still plague Nigeria.

1960s: Though there were elected officials in power through most of the decade, a 1966 military coup drastically affects the country's political structure.

Today: Though Nigeria began democratically electing officials in 1999, its first civilian ruler, President Olusegun Obasanjo, is a former military ruler.

1960s: The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 is but one chapter in the ongoing Cold War, a standoff between the United States and Soviet Union over nuclear weapons.

Today: While the Cold War has ended and many treaties are in place to limit nuclear arms, the threat of nuclear war remains real as many nations have acquired the ability to make or buy nuclear technology.

1960s: Though African Americans fight for and gain more civil rights by law, social...