Early 1900s: England rules over an empire with colonies throughout the world, some of the most important being India and portions of South Africa.

Today: On July 1,1997, Hong Kong, England's last important colony, is returned to Chinese rule.

Early 1900s: Rickets, a bone disease caused by malnutrition, was common among poor children in England.

Today: Rickets is now a rare disease in England. Other once-common childhood illnesses, such as smallpox and polio, have also been eradicated through advances in medicine.

1902: Popular superstitions, like the curse of Egypt's mummies or the powers of India's shamans, arise from Britain's contact with non-Western cultures.

Today: The popularity of alternative medicine and natural healing remedies stems from society's disenchantment with Western medicine, which is based solely on science.