1860s: The Civil War begins in 1861, and its four-year conflict is one of the bloodiest periods in American history.

Today: Although the United States has since been involved in numerous wars and conflicts all over the world, none has been as bloody as the Civil War.

1860s: Most women in America are not educated beyond grade school; those women who do receive an education usually are sent to a women's school for a few years, while their brothers go on to college.

Today: Both men and women in the United States have equal opportunities for education and college.

1860s: Slavery is legal throughout the American South.

Today: Slavery has long since been abolished in the United States, and there have been ongoing efforts to increase civil rights for minorities; however, prejudice and oppression still linger.

1860s: Widespread industrialization results in a great need for...