We should all know that "globalism" is not a new concept.  Due to trade routes and the exchange of ideas through world leadership, in one way or another, we all influence one another.  I am a huge proponent of nationalism and the promotion of one's own national culture.  However, there is no denying we've all taken ideas from one another and tweaked them to satisfy our own likes and dislikes.  With that said, I would like to offer you some articles on French Culinary History that I think give a good overview of the progression of French Gastronomy and how it affects us today.

Bon Apetit!

http://www.naciente.com/essay93.htm

http://www.classicfrenchfood.com/History_of_French_Cuisine.html

http://www.food-storage-info.com/canningfood.html