1965: As part of the "Welfare State," the government owned and operated all public transportation, telephone, gas, electric, and water utilities, coal, petroleum, and steel industries. The government was by far the largest employer in the nation.

Today: All the industries listed above, including the utilities, have been privatized sold to stockholders to promote efficiency through greater competition.

1965: The United Kingdom was a leading trading nation but functioned as a separate entity financially and economically.

Today: In 1973, the United Kingdom became part of the European Economic Community (now called the European Union). This created the "Common Market" for economic integration of the member countries of Europe with a gradual increase in political integration.

1965: As part of the youth movement in popular culture, sexual freedom was being promulgated for both men and women.

Today: There is a great deal more sexual freedom in society in general...