Mid-nineteenth century: In 1835, French philosopher Victor Cousin first uses the phrase "l'Art pour l'Art" ("Art for Art's sake") to define a new literary movement that promotes style over other literary elements. Flaubert is greatly influenced by this movement.

Today: The confessional narrative gains a prominent position in the literary world.

Mid-nineteenth century: In 1848, the first American convention concerning women's rights is held in Seneca Falls, New York.

Today: Women have made major gains in their fight for equality and although some bills—like the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment Bill—still have not passed to this day, discrimination against women is now against the law.

Mid-nineteenth century: The Second Empire begins in France in 1852. French social mores, under the leadership of Bonaparte III, include a devotion to a strict moral code, at least in public.

Today: Some see the election of George W. Bush to the...