Questions are swirling over Vice President Harris’s next move as she readies to exit the White House in the wake of her loss to President-elect Trump.  Early polling suggests Democrats want to see Harris back in the running for the Oval Office in 2028, despite her defeat this cycle. But some in the party speculate the vice president could seek another office — for starters, the governor’s mansion in California — or pursue avenues outside electoral politics to help bolster the...

Israeli officials on Sunday confirmed the death of an Abu Dhabi rabbi who had been missing since Thursday. "The UAE intelligence and security authorities have located the body of Zvi Kogan, who has been missing since Thursday, 21 November 2024," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on X. "The Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi has been in contact with the family from the start of the event and is continuing to assist it at this difficult time;...

President-elect Donald Trump‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could set its sights on government-funded media programs like National Public Radio (NPR), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said on Sunday. Greene, who has been tasked with heading a new House Oversight subcommittee to work with DOGE leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, mentioned the network while discussing how she believes wasteful spending is happening all over the U.S. government during a “Sunday Morning Futures”...

by Frank Bergman, Slay News: The annual November deer hunt in Michigan has been rocked by tragedy after several hunters died suddenly from heart attacks. At least three deer hunters have been confirmed as dying of heart attacks during the current 16-day season. According to the Associated Press, three men all dropped dead within 48 […]

  In the 16th century, a single man’s desire for wealth and fame would result in one of the deadliest conquests in modern human history. Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico in February 1519, seeing victory in battle against the natives almost immediately. Only a few weeks into his venture, he met—or rather was gifted—the woman who would arguably be the key to his success: La Malinche, the interpreter who forged the path for the Spanish destruction of the Aztec Empire.   From Nobility to Slavery Mapa for Malinalli Tenepal / Malintzin / Doña Marina by Sandy Rodriguez, 2021. Source: San Antonio Express-News   La Malinche’s background is shrouded in mystery. Some sources indicate that her first name was Malinalli, meaning “grass” in Nahuatl, named after her day of birth on the Aztec calendar—which was believed to predict a child’s destiny. For children born on Malinalli, this meant nothing good. A life of misfortune and rebellion was ahead of her.   However, this is only one possibility for her name—one that was likely added to her story much later. A more convincing explanation, offered by historian Camilla Townsend, is that “Malinche” is actually derived from the name she would take as a Christian convert, Marina. According to Townsend, “Marina” was pronounced in the Aztec language Nahuatl as “Malina,” and the traditional “tzin” honorific was added to the end, resulting in Malintzin or Malintze. The Spanish pronunciation of this would have been Malinche.   One thing is more certain: she was likely born into the upper class. La Malinche’s fluency in multiple indigenous languages included that of the local upper class. More importantly, she could speak the courtly dialect of the region, which likely required a formal education to learn.   So how did this noble woman fall from grace?   The most well-known explanation comes from Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a soldier under Cortés who wrote an account of the conquest. According to Díaz, La Malinche was the daughter of local Aztec rulers. His version of the story claims that her own mother sold her into slavery after the death of her father, securing the noble inheritance for her younger brother.   Aside from a lack of evidence, there are two primary reasons to call Díaz’s account into question. The first is that demonizing her parents further justifies La Malinche’s service to Cortés, while the second is that painting her as an outcast from her own community explains the role Catholicism would ultimately have in her life. Both are very convenient to the Spanish narrative.   The only certainty is that, somehow, La Malinche ended up a slave in Mayan territory.   Cortés’s Greatest Gift La pareja (The Couple) by Jorge González Camarena, 1964, Denver Art Museum. Source: Daria Magazine   Following Spanish victory at Tabasco, La Malinche and 19 other women were given to Cortés as spoils of war. The women were all promptly converted to Catholicism, a common practice in colonial Mexico. Converts were given brand-new names to match their brand-new religion, and so she received the first name scholars are sure of, Marina.   It is no surprise that Cortés quickly saw La Malinche’s potential. Her knowledge of indigenous languages was an invaluable skill, in addition to her experience navigating multiple Mesoamerican cultures, as a Nahua woman living among the Maya. But her role in Cortés’s life would soon evolve far beyond just translation. La Malinche became Cortés’s personal advisor, mistress, and mother to his first child. She even went into battle with him and is often depicted in artwork with a shield. Her permanent place at his side solidified her reputation as Cortés’s willing accomplice in the subjugation of what many viewed as “her own people.” But how much of the blame was hers to bear?   Translator, Mistress, Mother La Malinche by Jésus Helguera, 1941. Source: San Antonio Museum of Art   To claim Cortés and La Malinche’s relationship was complicated would be an understatement. As a slave, Malinche did not actually belong to Cortés. Due to her noted beauty, Cortés gifted her to one of his top captains. What happened next is unclear. Some sources say Cortés simply took her for himself and gave his captain a different woman. Díaz’s account asserts that Cortés waited until his captain went off to Spain to begin living with his new mistress. However it happened, Cortés claimed La Malinche for himself.   All sources emphasize that La Malinche clearly stood out among the indigenous women. She was praised for her uniquely noble character, a proud woman “without embarrassment.” She held herself as would the daughter of a cacique (local ruler) rather than as a slave.   The relationship between Cortés and La Malinche varies in each telling of the story. Many accounts claim that La Malinche earned Cortés’s trust and love through her years of dedicated service to him. The loyalty appears to have been returned, with Díaz relaying that Cortés refused all women presented to him during their time together. Modern authors doubt the romantic aspect of their relationship, focusing instead on their successful partnership. The son they had together was the first mestizo born in the New World, earning La Malinche the title “Mother of the Mexican Nation.”   With the conquest complete, Cortés returned to his wife in Spain. He arranged for La Malinche to marry one of his soldiers and granted her extensive land as a wedding gift. She had one daughter with her husband, while her son with Cortés was executed at age 26 for taking part in a conspiracy. Their love story—if indeed it was love—may have been short-lived, but La Malinche never outgrew the association with Cortés.   Role in the Conquest El Sueño de la Malinche by Antonio Ruíz, 1933. Source: Denver Art Museum   In Cortés’s letters to Spain detailing his conquest, he describes La Malinche simply as la lengua—“the tongue.” Cortés initially needed two interpreters, since La Malinche did not speak Spanish—but not for long. She quickly picked up the language living among the Spanish, making herself indispensable and the other translator unnecessary. La Malinche’s abilities ensured her success and, consequently, her survival.   Linguistic fluency was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to La Malinche’s value. The information she provided extended to cultural context, economic structure, and succession status of kingdoms. She even aided in converting the native populations by telling Christian stories in local tongues. In Cortés’s own words, “After God, we owe this conquest of New Spain to Doña Marina.”   Loyalty to the Spanish La Traición de Malinche (Malinche’s Betrayal) by Teddy Sandoval, 1993, Denver Art Museum. Source: Daria Magazine   Through whatever lens La Malinche’s participation in the conquest is viewed, her commitment to the Spanish was undeniable. In October 1519, the town of Cholula welcomed and took in the Europeans. Expecting allyship, a Cholula woman approached La Malinche and warned her of an attack they were planning by night. The woman promised La Malinche she could marry her son, a nobleman, if she were to join them. Yet Malinche told Cortés immediately.   The Spanish responded with what became known as the Cholula Massacre, killing 6,000 people in the span of two hours, one of many instances in which Doña Marina can be credited with saving Cortés’s life.   Meeting Montezuma Spaniards on the March to Tenochtitlan, from Codex Azcatitlan, unknown author, 1530. Source: The Denver Art Museum   In November 1519, Cortés reached Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztecs, now known as Mexico City. Montezuma, the Aztec emperor they had heard of for months prior, was waiting for them when they arrived. Tenochtitlan under Montezuma was the center of an incredibly advanced civilization that held control over the surrounding city-states.   The famous first meeting of Montezuma and Cortés is always depicted with La Malinche in the center, translating between the two men. Though his motives remain unclear, Montezuma decided to allow the Spanish into his city. Only six days later, he was imprisoned in his own home. The chaos that followed led to Montezuma’s death and the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521. With the help of local indigenous groups, the Spanish took the city. The Aztec empire would never recover.   La Malinche’s Many Legacies  La Malinche (Young Girl of Yalala, Oaxaca) by Alfredo Ramos Martínez, 1940, Phoenix Art Museum. Source: Daria Magazine   In the centuries since the Spanish conquest, La Malinche has been called everything from hero to sell-out to feminist icon. The term “Malinchista” in Mexico has come to mean “traitor.” Her name is now a serious insult condemning those who turn their backs on their own culture. Even the home she lived in outside of Mexico City is deemed “tainted” by association. La Malinche is at once considered the “mother of the Mexican race” and the perpetrator of the country’s “original sin.” She is the “Mexican Eve,” responsible for the first great mistake of the Mexican nation. Just as some condemn her as a traitor, still others view her as a tragic victim who was violated by the Spaniards. She represents all the women who were captured by the Spanish along with the land they claimed.   Considering Malinche through a feminist lens paints a very different picture. Her intelligence and natural leadership allowed her to break gender norms by assuming a place of influence at Cortés’s side. She broke free from slavery and survived on her own wit and strength. In this way, she is seen as a symbol of Chicana feminism. Her mind was so valuable that the success of an entire nation depended on it—making her dangerous in the eyes of many. She has even been considered influential in the development of machismo culture. Her story serves as a warning to men, emphasizing the fear of feminine betrayal and promoting forceful masculinity as a means of controlling cunning women.   La Malinche Tenía sus Razones (La Malinche Had Her Reasons) by Cecilia Alvarez, 1995. Source: Denver Art Museum   Another view proposes the unappreciated role that Malinche’s translations may have had in aiding the indigenous populations. By acting as the mouthpiece of Cortés, La Malinche could choose exactly how the Spaniards’ words were delivered. She had the power to manipulate the message without either side knowing. Many defend her as an advocate for the natives. Knowing they could never win, she often convinced indigenous groups not to take up arms against the Spanish. The only evidence of this, however, are arguments documented between Malinche and another interpreter who claimed her translations to sometimes be inaccurate.   An Impossible Judgment  La Malinche Conquistada by Maria Cristina Tavera, 2015. Source: The Denver Art Museum   There is no way of knowing what was lost—or possibly gained—in translation with La Malinche. Because her own thoughts were never recorded, the world will never understand what her intentions were, how much choice she had, and what role her words played. At the very least, they ensured her survival.   Some may blame her for the success of the Spanish conquest; others still may argue that she prevented more bloodshed than she caused. After all, Cortés would have stopped at nothing to achieve what he desired.   One thing is certain: La Malinche succeeded as an interpreter, helping both sides understand each other a little bit better.

  New York City is a cultural treasure trove so vast that even a lifetime may not be enough to uncover it all. From world-renowned museums to iconic theaters and historic landmarks, the city has shaped global art, music, and literature in ways few other places can claim. Known as the “city that never sleeps,” New York can overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler without a solid plan.   To make the most of your visit, we’ve rounded up the top cultural sites in the Big Apple, perfect for exploring the city’s rich heritage and creative pulse. Let this article be your starting point for exploring New York City’s iconic cultural scene.   1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) entrance façade in Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Established in 1870 by a group of American citizens, including businessmen, artists, and philanthropists, the museum aimed to bring art and art education to the American people. Today, it houses over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world.   Located on Fifth Avenue along the iconic Museum Mile, The Met is a treasure trove of human creativity. When visiting this cultural gem in New York City, you will marvel at ancient Egyptian mummies, wander through European painting galleries featuring masters like Van Gogh and Vermeer, and explore artifacts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its rooftop garden offers sweeping views of Central Park.   2. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island at the New York Harbor. Source: Pexels   The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are iconic symbols of freedom and hope in the United States. The Statue of Liberty is actually a gift from France. It was dedicated in 1886 and stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It has welcomed millions of immigrants arriving by sea, embodying ideals of liberty and democracy.   Ellis Island, located nearby, served as the nation’s busiest immigration station from 1892 to 1954, processing over 12 million immigrants. For many, it was the “Island of Hope,” marking the start of their American journey; for others, it was the “Island of Tears,” where entry was denied. Today, you can explore the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. This is where you can learn about their historical as well as cultural significance.   3. American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This iconic museum was established in 1869. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, it houses over 33 million specimens and provides you with plenty of information about the natural world and human cultures.   You will have the chance to explore a vast array of exhibits, including the Hall of Human Origins, which delves into six million years of human evolution, and the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, showcasing Earth’s geological treasures.   The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) also features the Rose Center for Earth and Space, home to the Hayden Planetarium, providing immersive experiences about the universe.   4. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Museum of Modern Art, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), founded in 1929, is one of the most influential modern art museums in the world. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, it was established by forward-thinking patrons Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan to promote modern art, which was still underappreciated at the time. Since its inception, MoMA has been a groundbreaking institution, fostering public appreciation of the avant-garde and redefining the art museum experience.   MoMA houses an extraordinary collection of nearly 200,000 works that span painting, sculpture, photography, design, film, and multimedia installations. Its permanent collection includes iconic masterpieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. The architecture and design galleries feature everything from Frank Lloyd Wright’s sketches to mid-century modern furniture. When visiting, make sure to also explore experimental films, cutting-edge photography, and contemporary art exhibits that challenge traditional boundaries.   The museum also features an impressive sculpture garden, a serene space to enjoy modern sculptures amidst the hustle of New York City. MoMA’s commitment to education through its workshops, lectures, and film screenings makes it a hub for cultural dialogue.   5. Apollo Theater The Apollo Theater, New York City. Source: Flickr   Found in Harlem, New York City, this historic venue was established in 1913 as Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater. Later, it was renamed the Apollo Theater in 1934, becoming a significant platform for Black performers during an era of racial segregation. The Apollo launched the careers of legends like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Billie Holiday, particularly through its famed “Amateur Night,” which began in 1934 and continues to this day.   Today, you can experience live performances, historical tours, and special events that celebrate its rich legacy. The theater’s cultural significance lies in its enduring commitment to showcasing and nurturing Black talent, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the history of American music and culture.   6. 9/11 Memorial and Museum National September 11 Memorial South Pool, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This site stands as a heartfelt homage to the nearly 3,000 victims of the vicious September 11, 2001, attacks and the six individuals who tragically perished in the 1993 World Trade Center attack. Unveiled on September 11, 2011, it features two reflecting pools located in the footprints of the former Twin Towers, each surrounded by bronze panels inscribed with the names of the victims.   The museum, which opened in 2014, offers artifacts such as a crushed fire truck, the “Survivor Stairs” that allowed hundreds to escape, and steel remnants from the Twin Towers. Personal items, audio recordings of victims’ last phone calls, and photographs bring an emotional depth to the experience. The Foundation Hall, featuring the “Last Column” covered in messages and tributes, is particularly moving.   The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a space for honoring those lost while learning about the courage, resilience, and unity that followed the tragedy. It is a deeply impactful experience, offering a profound understanding of the events and their lasting global significance.   7. Brooklyn Museum Brooklyn Museum, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Established in 1823 as the Brooklyn Apprentices’ Library, this museum is today one of the United States’ oldest and largest art institutions. Located at 200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York, the museum’s Beaux-Arts building, designed by McKim, Mead & White, spans 560,000 square feet, making it New York City’s second-largest art museum.   Brooklyn Museum’s extensive collection encompasses approximately 1.5 million works, offering a comprehensive journey through 5,000 years of art and culture.   Its Egyptian Antiquities section is among the most notable in the U.S., showcasing artifacts that span over 3,000 years. The American Art collection includes iconic pieces, such as portraits of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart and Charles Willson Peale, as well as Edward Hicks’s The Peaceable Kingdom. Contemporary art is also well-represented, with works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Mark Rothko, and Norman Rockwell. The museum is renowned for its thought-provoking special exhibitions, like the recent “Solid Gold,” which celebrates 200 years of cultural artistry through golden objects, including fashion, jewelry, and sculptures.   8. The Whitney Museum of American Art Whitney Museum of American Art, Manhattan, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The Whitney Museum of American Art, often referred to simply as the Whitney, stands as a premier institution dedicated exclusively to American art. Established in 1930 by sculptor and art advocate Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the museum was established to champion the works of living American artists who were often overlooked by traditional institutions.   The Whitney’s collection boasts over 26,000 works created by more than 4,000 artists during the 20th and 21st centuries. You can explore today masterpieces by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Alexander Calder, and Faith Ringgold, among others.   The museum is renowned for its commitment to contemporary art, often providing a platform for emerging artists and showcasing avant-garde works that reflect the evolving landscape of American culture.   A hallmark of the Whitney is its Biennial exhibition, initiated in 1932, which serves as a survey of the current state of American art. This event has been instrumental in introducing and promoting new artists and artistic movements.   In 2015, the Whitney relocated to its current building at 99 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the building offers expansive gallery spaces and outdoor terraces with stunning views of the city.   9. New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, commonly known as the “main branch,” is a Beaux-Arts landmark situated at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan. Established in 1911, it has symbolized free and open access to knowledge since its inception.   You will be welcomed by the iconic marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, flanking the grand entrance. Inside, the library houses extensive research collections in the humanities and social sciences, including rare manuscripts, maps, and historical documents.   The Rose Main Reading Room, spanning nearly 300 feet, offers a majestic space for study and reflection. The building also hosts exhibitions and public programs, enriching the cultural fabric of New York City.   10. The Tenement Museum The Tenement Museum, New York City. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Located at 97 and 103 Orchard Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this museum offers a profound glimpse into the lives of immigrants who shaped New York City. Established in 1988, the Tenement Museum occupies two historic tenement buildings that housed approximately 15,000 individuals representing more than 20 nations from 1863 to 2011.   Visitors can explore meticulously restored apartments, each telling the story of a different family or individual, such as the Levine family in the 1890s, the Baldizzi family in the 1930s, and the Saez Velez family in the 1960s. These immersive tours provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of immigrants adapting to life in America. The museum also offers neighborhood walking tours, highlighting the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Lower East Side.

  Japan’s Tokaido Road existed as a significant trade route connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). Used for several hundreds of years, the Tokaido or “Eastern Sea Road” became especially famous during the Tokugawa Era from 1600 until the mid-1800s. Roughly 500 kilometers long, the Road enabled better communication, commerce, and travel. Travelers from all walks of life used the Road, including samurai, pilgrims, daimyo, and merchants. As you’ll discover, Tokaido Roads allowed Japan to change in unexpected ways.   When Was Tokaido Road Finally Built? Tokaido Road Map. Source: Guimet Museum   Officially, with the construction of the last post station in 1624, the Tokaido Road received its name from the Tokugawa Bakufu, the Shogun’s military government. But roads, paths, and trails along the same route had always been in use. The twenty years of improvements after 1600 only put a name on all these routes. Travelers used these unofficial routes as far back as the Heian period (794-1185).    What Made the Tokaido Road So Important? Daimyo Traveling on the Tokaido, by Utagawa Hiroshige, 19th century. Source: Chicago Art Institute   The importance of the Tokaido Road grew for political control, commerce, and cultural interaction. Before this, for nearly 100 years, civil wracked Japan until Ieyasu Tokugawa prevailed. As Shogun, he ordered improvements and maintenance along the Tokaido Road’s length. Now his Shogunate could better keep tabs on the daimyo, or nobles, as they traveled along the Tokaido as part of the sankin kotai system. Bakufu rules required the daimyo and all travelers to show official papers granting permission to travel.   Commerce grew fast on the Tokaido as merchants used the road to sell wares or services. Inns and hostels sprung up to feed, entertain, and take in the travelers. Thus, local towns and villages prospered, as weary people spent their money. As the years rolled past, Japan became peaceful, and the Tokaido spread Edo’s cultural influence far and wide. Famous artists like Hiroshige painted life along the Tokaido, especially with his “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road” paintings.   How Did the Tokugawa Control the Tokaido? The Tokaido Road in a village, 1865. Source: Leiden University Library   The Tokugawa Bakufu strictly controlled who could travel, especially to and from Edo, now Tokyo. To help keep control, the Bakufu built checkpoints, or “sekisho,” along the road to check travelers’ documents. They also built post-stations called “shukuba”-selected towns to provide shelter and food. Both helped keep a further watch for trouble or smugglers. Among those rules one required women to travel with a male companion, never alone. Nearer to Edo, Bakufu officials worried about women trying to escape, especially from daimyo families.    Who Were the Travelers on the Tokaido? Fujieda No. 23 Station, by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1833. Source: Art Institute of Chicago   Besides the usual daimyo and merchants, the Tokaido saw people from all of Japan’s classes. These included pilgrims traveling between sacred sites such as Mount Fuji or various Shinto shrines. Similarly, monks commonly traveled to Tokaido to teach their beliefs. Unlike the others, monks depended on the generosity of the local towns. Artisans, like the famous Hiroshige and performers touring, used the Tokaido Road to perform at events in different regions.   Where Did the Tokaido Road Begin and End? Meguro Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1857. Source: The Brooklyn Museum   Both ends of the Tokaido Road connected the Imperial City Kyoto and Edo, the Bakufu’s de facto capital Edo. The Tokaido started at the Nihon-bashi Bridge in Edo at the first of 53 stations. Travelers typically traveled by foot or hired a palanquin called a kago. The road wound its way through many different settings, such as scenic coastal areas, the steep mountains around Hakone, and postal stations that grew into towns. Key stops to recuperate included Shizuoka, famed for its tea, and Numazu’s ocean scenery. The Tokaido Road ended in Kyoto at the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge for those who ventured the nearly 200 miles.   Who Wrote About the Tokaido Road? Village by the Tama River by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1858. Source: Minneapolis Institute of Art   The celebrated ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1798-1858) woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e, captured life on the Tokaido. His travels here inspired “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” The prints depict that station’s daily life, scenery, and what made that location unique. Two of the most well-known prints are Kanaya, displayed crossing the Oi River, and Shono, with its rain squalls and dramatic weather.   Why Did the Tokaido Road Change Japan Dramatically? Kakegawa, Akihasan Empo, by Hiroshige, 1834. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York   The Tokaido Road’s route helped it shape Japanese culture. With Edo’s rise as the center of power, culture, and influence, people came there from all over Japan. The Tokaido Road helped spread those changes. A great example is just look at Edo’s Japanese dialect. After 1600, the dialect became important under Bakufu’s control by being associated with the daimyo and administration. The Tokaido spread ideas and knowledge, too. Its growing importance as a pipeline from regular traffic between so many places or people meant change was inevitable. 

  In 1784, the United States was a new country, being governed not by the Constitution but by the Articles of Confederation. This document outlined the 13 states as independent areas that worked with the federal government rather than under it. However, American settlers lived outside of the 13 states as well and wanted to organize formally. Between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains, these remote settlements sought self-government from federal land grants. One such settlement was the state of Franklin, which existed for almost five years in what is today Eastern Tennessee.   North Carolina & The Land Grab Acts North America with the boundaries of the thirteen United States, as settled by the Treaty of 1783. Source: North Carolina Maps (UNC Libraries)   By the end of the Revolutionary War, the lands of North Carolina extended west into the Cumberland River Valley. These were called simply “the Western Counties” and were originally the lands of the Cherokee, who were still coming to terms with the formation of a new country encroaching upon their ancestral territory.   In late 1783 and early 1784, the state of North Carolina was wary of carrying the responsibility of the remote counties and, therefore, proposed a “Land Grab Act” wherein all of the state’s western lands would be for sale. The land sales were shaky at best, and most of them went to those in the North Carolina Legislature or those who had close business relationships with the government.   In reaction to these questionable sales, in 1784, a newly re-elected state legislature instead proposed another tactic for letting the lands go. The United States had incurred significant debt in the war for American independence. To both rid themselves of caring for the land and to help offset war debt, the government of North Carolina ceded 29,000,000 acres to the federal government, which comprised all the land in North Carolina from the Allegheny (Appalachian) Mountains to the Mississippi River.   Fort Nashborough, now in Nashville, TN, was one of the Western County strongholds. Source: Digital Commonwealth   The stipulation in this concession, however, was that the federal government would have to assume responsibility for the land in two years. The US government was also wary of this responsibility, knowing that it meant dealing with land leased from the Cherokee Nation, who were still none too pleased about the states’ dealings within their lands.   Thus, North Carolina made yet another change in its holdings; after another new legislature was formed, those who had voted for the Land Grab Acts came back into power and repealed the cession. However, the remote areas that had been tossed around several times were not aware of this change. Encouraged by the federal control of the lands, some 5,000 settlers within the eastern counties of present-day Tennessee had already begun plans to form an independent state.   Formation of the State of Franklin The Eight Counties of the State of Franklin. Source: Smithsonian Magazine   The heavily populated Greene, Sullivan, and Washington Counties of Western North Carolina were among the only statehood movements that coalesced into formal action. They were both encouraged by the cession of lands to the federal government and by the tradition of self-government.   These counties knew no difference, as their remote location at the time meant that they received hardly any direction or reprimand from the capital of North Carolina. At that time, the legislature was meeting in several locations, including New Bern and Fayetteville, both of which were located much further east than was realistically reachable for the settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains.   In August 1784, in response to North Carolina’s cession to the federal government and unaware of its quick repeal, the independent state of Franklin was formed. There were no fixed boundaries for the state, but there was a possibility of expansion beyond the three most populated counties that first sought independence.   A replica of the Capital of Franklin in Greeneville, TN. Source: I May Roam   Following its formation, the government of Franklin drafted a declaration of independence, which laid out its complaints against the government of North Carolina. Among other grievances was the issue of distance between the area that comprised the state of Franklin and the North Carolinian legislature, which focused their activity mostly in and around the Eastern Seaboard. Aside from being essentially cut off from their state’s government, this distance also made assistance in the event of a Native American attack unlikely, leaving the comparatively small bunch of settlers to fend for themselves.   Additionally, Franklin’s delegation argued that North Carolina held the western counties in contempt and, for the most part, saw them as a problem. The state of Franklin felt assured in its reasoning for secession and thus moved forward with their plan of self-government.   The state of Franklin’s formation also decreased the popularity of the continuing cession of North Carolina land to the federal government. Eventually, they would regain their land, but those who had formed the Land Grab Acts were unable to reclaim any territory that was technically under Franklin’s control.   Government of the State of Franklin An undated portrait of John Sevier, the governor of Franklin. Source: Tennessee Virtual Archive   The proposed state of Franklin met in late 1784 for a constitutional convention and drew out a form of self-government that was, at the time, radical for the young United States. Delegates of the convention put forth a document called the Houston Constitution, which outlined a unicameral legislature, a slew of protections for the freedom of religion, and the requirement that legislation be routinely submitted to the citizens of Franklin for discussion.   Moral strictures were placed on those who could vote, which was limited only to white men. However, property holding was not required for voting rights, which was a novel concept at the time. Additionally, Franklin’s constitution forbade lawyers, doctors, and clergymen from running for public office.   The State of Franklin in a map of the United States. Source: SparkPlaza   Though the proposed constitution was quite progressive for its time, it failed in referendum, and the state of Franklin operated under a near copy of the North Carolina constitution. Leaders were appointed to several offices, while the most famous was John Sevier, a war hero of the American Revolutionary War-turned governor of the new state. During the appointments of office, a delegate was also sent to the United States Congress to attempt to admit Franklin as the 14th state in the Union. Meanwhile, five new counties were annexed in Franklin.   In June 1785, only a few months after being appointed governor, Sevier met with the Cherokee in the area to discuss land holdings. The Treaty of Dumplin Creek was later contested by the Cherokee and the federal government, who claimed there was never an agreement to settle the land with Franklinites.   The Houston Constitution, rejected by the state of Franklin’s constitutional convention. Source: Tennessee Virtual Archive   The new state’s government interpreted the meaning differently, as many new settlers moved into the area between the French Broad and Little Tennessee Rivers. Though the settlers came, their claim on the land was only justified legally by the state of Franklin, which held little legitimacy in the eyes of the US government.   Eventually, the Cherokee and federal government disregarded the Dumplin Creek treaty. It came to its agreement in Hopewell in November 1785, where both parties agreed that Franklin’s proposed capital of Greeneville sat well inside the boundary of the Cherokee Nation. This reversal, compounded with the rejection of Franklin’s bid for statehood in Congress, began the downhill slide of the newly proposed state.   The economy of Franklin was based on bartering, with even the governor being paid in deer skins. Many citizens settled debts and paid dues with tobacco, alcohol, corn, or animal hides. Despite the barter economy, foreign and federal currencies were also accepted. Citizens were granted a two-year reprieve on taxes, but the reliance on goods as currency and lack of infrastructure made economic decline inevitable.   While county courts were established, there was often infighting among citizens. In addition to internal problems, the government of Franklin often clashed with its neighbors in North Carolina and the Cherokee Nation. It was only a matter of time before a faction of Franklinites began advocating for the rejoining of North Carolina.   The End of Franklin & Its Legacy A historic marker for the Tipton property, where the Battle of the State of Franklin took place. Source: Washington County, Tennessee Department of Records Management and Archives   The faction of citizens who favored North Carolinian sovereignty was led by a man named John Tipton. In response to followers of Tipton gathering and having their demands increasing in popularity, the governor of Franklin sent an army to Tipton’s home in early 1788. The clash, though brief and not won by either side, was then memorialized as the Battle of the State of Franklin.   The battle was something of a death omen for the state of Franklin, which quickly devolved starting in 1788. Sevier attempted to convince the Spanish to annex his state, which failed, and he was subsequently tried for federal treason. Though Sevier was rescued by his supporters and lived in what the remaining Franklinites called “Lesser Franklin” for some time, eventually, all efforts to make Franklin a state of its own failed by 1789.   In February 1789, Sevier and all other Franklin leaders swore allegiance to North Carolina. The federal government acted quickly and took hold of the original land grants given to them from the North Carolina government, allowing no time for settlers to move in and claim statehood again. Eventually, the state of Franklin was incorporated into the 16th state in the Union, Tennessee, in 1796. Sevier, who had since been involved with the North Carolina state government, became Tennessee’s first governor.   A 1796 map of Tennessee. Source: Tennessee Tech University   Though the state of Franklin was short-lived, its legacy remains, whether for better or worse, within the United States Constitution. After the failure of the Articles of Confederation, a clause in the new Constitution was added, which stipulated that territory within another state may not be admitted to the union unless both the state legislature and Congress approved of the secession.   The state of Franklin may have ultimately been a failure, but it remains an interesting example of the fluidity with which the young United States operated. It was a time when the new nation was trying to find its footing and its style of government, which came many times through trial and error. The state of Franklin was one such trial that lent to the structure of the eventual Constitution and helped frame what the founding fathers wanted the country to be.

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