Historical Significance

The global expansion of fast-food chains has shown the influence of American culture. In 1967, McDonald's expanded its operations outside of the United States with a franchise in Richmond, British Columbia. By 2006, McDonald's had established 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries around the world. As communication and transportation networks link the nation and the world, McDonald's represents two developments in American history. First, it is a shift from an American culture, which has lost its regionalism and became more national in its culture. Second, it represents an "American culture," touching places such as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.