Americanization

thumb|220px|United States-based fast food franchises, such as this [[McDonald's location in China, are widely seen as a symbol of Americanization in many countries.]]

Americanization or Americanisation (see spelling differences) is the influence of the American culture and economy on other countries outside the United States, including their media, cuisine, business practices, popular culture, technology and political techniques. Some observers have described Americanization as synonymous with progress and innovation.