The Iroquois Confederacy: A History of Peace and Unity

The Iroquois Confederacy was a powerful alliance of five Native American tribes that emerged in the 15th century. The Confederacy was founded by the legendary figure Hiawatha, who brought peace to the warring tribes and established a system of governance that lasted for centuries. The Iroquois Confederacy played a significant role in the history of North America, and its legacy continues to inspire people today.

Origins of the Confederacy

The Iroquois Confederacy was formed by the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes, who lived in what is now upstate New York. These tribes had long been rivals, engaging in frequent warfare over territory and resources. However, in the 15th century, a visionary leader named Hiawatha emerged, who believed that the tribes could achieve greater strength and prosperity by uniting. Hiawatha traveled among the tribes, preaching a message of peace and unity. He persuaded the chiefs of each tribe to sign a Great Law of Peace, which established a framework for governance and cooperation.

The Great Law of Peace

The Great Law of Peace was a groundbreaking document that established a system of representative government and a council of chiefs. Each tribe had its own chief, who represented the interests of his people. The chiefs from each tribe met annually at the council fire, where they discussed issues of common concern and made decisions for the Confederacy as a whole. The Great Law also included a set of principles that guided the Confederacy’s conduct, including peace, justice, and equality. The Great Law of Peace is considered one of the first written constitutions in North America and a model of democratic governance.

The Iroquois Confederacy in the 17th and 18th Centuries

The Iroquois Confederacy grew in power and influence during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were skilled warriors and diplomats, and they played a major role in the fur trade. They also formed alliances with European powers, including the French and the British, who sought their support in their struggles for control of North America. During the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the Iroquois Confederacy sided with the British, and they played a key role in their victory. However, the Confederacy’s alliance with the British also had negative consequences. After the American Revolution, the Iroquois Confederacy found itself divided, with some tribes supporting the United States and others supporting the British. This division led to the loss of much of the Confederacy’s land and power.

The Legacy of the Iroquois Confederacy

Despite the challenges it faced, the Iroquois Confederacy remained a powerful force in North America for centuries. Its legacy continues to inspire people today. The Iroquois Confederacy’s commitment to peace and unity is a reminder that conflict can be overcome through dialogue and cooperation. The Confederacy’s system of governance is a model of democratic principles, and its Great Law of Peace remains a source of inspiration for people around the world.

Key Concepts

• The Iroquois Confederacy was a powerful alliance of five Native American tribes that emerged in the 15th century.
• The Confederacy was founded by the legendary figure Hiawatha, who brought peace to the warring tribes and established a system of governance that lasted for centuries.
• The Iroquois Confederacy played a significant role in the history of North America, and its legacy continues to inspire people today.

Further Reading

• The Iroquois Confederacy by Bruce Trigger
• The Iroquois: A Historical and Cultural Dictionary by Anthony F. C. Wallace