1600s: By this date, it is estimated that some 900,000 Africans have been transported by English and other European slavers to the Americas.

2000s: Slavery has been abolished throughout the world, although many countries and people still feel the effects of the African Diaspora.

1600s: Women generally have little or no career options other than marriage and motherhood and are subordinate to men in every way.

2000s: Women have equal rights with men and are able to pursue careers outside the home.

1600s: Women are legally prohibited from acting on the stage so all female characters in Shakespeare's plays are acted by young boys.

2000s: Women actors play all female characters in Shakespeare; at times, women actors even play men's roles.

1600s: England is an absolutist state, although Elizabeth I demonstrates great ability to reach compromises with her various constituencies. James I, her successor, however...