What does the Erie Canal have to do with Wonder Bread? Which American war gave us condensed soup? Why did American farmers turn away from organic farming in the first place? This course examines the historical, cultural, social, technological, and economic events that have influenced what Americans eat today. It is an action-packed history of home economists and fancy restaurateurs, family farmers and corporate giants, street vendors and captains of industry, mom-and-pop grocers and massive food conglomerates, burger barons and vegetarians, the hungry and the affluent, hard-hitting advertisers and health food advocates. All these players have shaped the contentious American foodscape of the 21st century.