1600s-1700s: Oliver Cromwell's protectorate is overthrown, and after two decades in which England was without a sovereign, Charles II is crowned king.

Today: Tony Blair is the prime minister of England, and Queen Elizabeth II is the symbolic head of state under a parliamentary democracy.

1600s-1700s: The most celebrated eighteenth century periodical, The Spectator, is founded by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele.

Today: The advent of the internet revolution connects millions of households with a seemingly limitless number of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals at the click of a mouse.

1600s-1700s: The rise of the English theater changes social patterns as English citizens from all classes begin to attend theatrical performances.

Today: The advent of the DVD and the development of home entertainment systems begin to change the patterns of many moviegoers, who, instead of visiting the theater, opt to stay home...