Food

Food is an integral part of human history, serving as both sustenance and a symbol of culture, trade and power. From the earliest days of hunter-gatherers to modern-day globalization, what people eat has influenced the course of history.

Featured Overview

From spaghetti and meatballs to General Tso's chicken, many dishes Americans associate with international cuisine were actually invented in the US of A! Here are 8 foods you didn't know were invented in in America, in this episode of History Countdown.

8:04m watch

Fries With That? A Brief History of Drive-Thru Dining, In-N-Out Burger

Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Featured Overview

From spaghetti and meatballs to General Tso's chicken, many dishes Americans associate with international cuisine were actually invented in the US of A! Here are 8 foods you didn't know were invented in in America, in this episode of History Countdown.

8:04m watch

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Coffee rationing poster from World War II.

How Coffee Fueled US Troops During World War II

Coffee increased energy and alertness on the battlefield, improved morale and was even used by medics to help prevent shock.

How an Enslaved Man Helped Jack Daniel Develop His Famous Whiskey

How an Enslaved Man Helped Jack Daniel Develop His Famous Whiskey

Nathan 'Nearest' Green, who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey distillation, went unacknowledged for more than 150 years.

Female hand holding ice-cream on the beach against clear blue sky

Who Invented Ice Cream?

The origins of ice cream, sorbet and other chilled dairy treats are difficult to pin down—but span back to antiquity.

People in 1904 standing outside a refreshment stand

How the 1904 World’s Fair Showcased New American Foods

Peanut butter. Ice cream cones. Cotton candy. The 1904 St. Louis exposition popularized some of America’s favorite foods.

3 Iconic Food Mascots

Betty Crocker

In 1921, the Washburn-Crosby Company—a flour milling enterprise that later became General Mills—created a female persona to respond to customer queries. General Mills released Betty’s first portrait in 1936, and in 1942, her name appeared on a food product for the first time.

Quaker Man

Technically, the Quaker man on the oatmeal container doesn’t have a name, but people at the Quaker Oats Company call him “Larry.” The mascot dates to 1877, when the company trademarked a “a figure of a man in ‘Quaker garb’” to advertise their oat breakfast cereal.

News Conference Is Held To Mark Rollout Of McDonalds Adult Happy Meals

Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald first appeared on a local TV ad in 1963 with a paper cup for a nose, a tray of food for a hat and another tray sticking out of his torso. In 1965, the McDonald’s burger chain started using the mascot in nationally aired ads— with a different look.

Combat Rations

Combat Rations in WWII

During World War II, feeding thousands of troops in enemy territory wasn't easy. Discover how soldiers carried C and K rations into battle with them and how the U.S. worked to improve the quality of the food.

1:24 watch

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From spaghetti and meatballs to General Tso's chicken, many dishes Americans associate with international cuisine were actually invented in the US of A! Here are 8 foods you didn't know were invented in in America, in this episode of History Countdown.

8:04m watch

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