Today in 1902: Businessman Ray A. Kroc is born. Under Kroc's direction, McDonald's grew to become the giant we know today.

By 2013, McDonald's signs could be found in all 50 states as well as about 120 countries. This sign was made in the U.S. for use in Japan. While the writing is in Japanese, the sign remains instantly recognizable due to its color scheme and signature golden arches.
The restaurant's look is standardized, but so is the menu, making only a few concessions to local tastes. (There's a Teriyaki McBurger in Japan, for example.)

Learn more about globalization in our "American Enterprise" online exhibition: http://s.si.edu/1O8UuVh