2.3 Iroquois Confederacy
9 min read•august 20, 2024
The was a powerful Native American alliance formed in the 15th century. Consisting of five (later six) nations, it united previously warring groups under a common purpose of peace and unity, reshaping the political landscape of the Appalachian region.
The confederacy had a complex structure with a , , and chiefs. It operated on consensus-based decision-making, reflecting Iroquois values of equality and collective governance. This system influenced later political theories and indigenous rights movements.
Origins of Iroquois Confederacy
- The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the or "People of the ," was a powerful Native American alliance that played a significant role in the history of the Appalachian region
- The confederacy was formed in the 15th century, prior to European contact, and consisted of five (later six) Native American nations: , , , , and (joined by in the 18th century)
- The formation of the confederacy marked a significant shift in the political and social landscape of the Appalachian region, as it brought together previously warring nations under a common purpose of peace and unity
Hiawatha and the Great Peacemaker
Top images from around the web for Hiawatha and the Great Peacemaker
Hiawatha and Minnehaha - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The Quest for the Historical Hiawatha — & the historical-mythical Jesus debate – Vridar View original
Is this image relevant?
The Song of Hiawatha - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hiawatha and Minnehaha - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The Quest for the Historical Hiawatha — & the historical-mythical Jesus debate – Vridar View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Hiawatha and the Great Peacemaker
Hiawatha and Minnehaha - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The Quest for the Historical Hiawatha — & the historical-mythical Jesus debate – Vridar View original
Is this image relevant?
The Song of Hiawatha - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hiawatha and Minnehaha - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The Quest for the Historical Hiawatha — & the historical-mythical Jesus debate – Vridar View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- According to Iroquois oral tradition, the confederacy was founded by the prophet , known as the Great Peacemaker, and his disciple
- The Great Peacemaker traveled among the five nations, spreading a message of peace and unity, and convincing them to put aside their differences
- Hiawatha, a skilled orator and leader of the Onondaga nation, helped the Great Peacemaker in his mission by persuading the nations to accept the , which laid the foundation for the confederacy
Five Nations united
- The five nations that initially formed the Iroquois Confederacy were the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca
- Each nation had its own distinct culture, language, and territory, but they agreed to come together under a common political structure and set of laws
- The nations were arranged geographically from east to west, with the Mohawk in the east and the Seneca in the west
Purpose of confederacy
- The primary purpose of the Iroquois Confederacy was to maintain peace and unity among the member nations
- The confederacy provided a means for the nations to resolve conflicts and disputes through diplomacy and negotiation, rather than warfare
- The confederacy also served as a means of collective defense against external threats, such as rival Native American groups or European colonizers
Structure of Iroquois Confederacy
- The Iroquois Confederacy had a complex political structure that was designed to ensure balance, stability, and consensus among the member nations
- The structure of the confederacy reflected the Iroquois values of equality, respect, and collective decision-making
Grand Council
- The Grand Council was the primary decision-making body of the Iroquois Confederacy
- It consisted of 50 chiefs (known as ) from the five member nations, with each nation having a set number of representatives based on its size and importance
- The Grand Council met annually to discuss matters of common concern, such as trade, diplomacy, and warfare
Clan mothers
- In Iroquois society, women held significant political power and influence
- Each nation was divided into several matrilineal clans, each led by a clan mother
- Clan mothers were responsible for selecting and removing chiefs, as well as advising them on important matters
Chiefs and sachems
- Chiefs (sachems) were the primary political leaders of the Iroquois Confederacy
- They were selected by the clan mothers based on their wisdom, integrity, and ability to build consensus
- Chiefs were responsible for representing their nation's interests in the Grand Council and for implementing the decisions made by the council
Consensus-based decision making
- The Iroquois Confederacy operated on a consensus-based decision-making model
- All decisions made by the Grand Council required the unanimous agreement of all 50 chiefs
- This system ensured that all voices were heard and that decisions reflected the collective will of the confederacy
Iroquois Confederacy culture
- The Iroquois Confederacy had a rich and complex culture that was deeply intertwined with their political and social structures
- Iroquois culture emphasized the importance of community, respect for nature, and the preservation of
Longhouse living
- The Iroquois lived in longhouses, which were large, multi-family dwellings that could house up to 50 people
- Longhouses were made of wooden poles and covered with bark, and were arranged in a linear pattern along a central corridor
- Longhouse living reflected the Iroquois values of communal living and shared responsibility
Matrilineal society
- Iroquois society was matrilineal, meaning that family lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother's line
- Women owned the longhouses and the agricultural fields, and had significant political and social power
- Matrilineal social organization ensured that women's voices were heard and respected in Iroquois society
Importance of oral traditions
- The Iroquois placed great importance on oral traditions, which were used to pass down knowledge, history, and cultural values from generation to generation
- Oral traditions included stories, songs, and ceremonies that were performed at important events and gatherings
- The Iroquois believed that oral traditions were a sacred trust that had to be preserved and shared with future generations
Wampum belts
- were an important part of Iroquois culture and diplomacy
- Wampum were small, cylindrical beads made from shells that were woven into intricate patterns on belts
- Wampum belts were used to record important events, treaties, and agreements, and were exchanged as gifts during diplomatic negotiations
Iroquois Confederacy vs European colonizers
- The arrival of European colonizers in the 16th and 17th centuries had a profound impact on the Iroquois Confederacy
- The Iroquois found themselves caught between competing European powers, and had to navigate complex political and economic relationships in order to maintain their sovereignty and way of life
Fur trade
- The was a major source of economic and political power for the Iroquois Confederacy
- The Iroquois were skilled hunters and trappers, and were able to supply European traders with valuable furs (beaver, fox, etc.) in exchange for European goods (guns, tools, textiles)
- The fur trade led to increased competition and conflict among Native American groups, as well as between the Iroquois and European powers
Jesuit missionaries
- were among the first Europeans to establish contact with the Iroquois Confederacy
- The Jesuits sought to convert the Iroquois to Christianity and to establish missions in their territory
- While some Iroquois converted to Christianity, others resisted the Jesuits' efforts and saw them as a threat to their traditional beliefs and way of life
Beaver Wars
- The were a series of conflicts between the Iroquois Confederacy and other Native American groups in the 17th century
- The wars were fueled by competition over the fur trade and by the Iroquois' desire to expand their territory and influence
- The Beaver Wars resulted in significant loss of life and territory for many Native American groups, and helped to solidify the Iroquois Confederacy's position as a major power in the region
Shifting alliances
- The Iroquois Confederacy's relationships with European powers were complex and constantly shifting
- At various times, the Iroquois allied with the French, Dutch, and British in order to gain economic and military advantages
- However, the Iroquois also recognized the dangers of becoming too closely aligned with any one European power, and sought to maintain their independence and neutrality whenever possible
Iroquois Confederacy in American Revolution
- The posed a significant challenge to the Iroquois Confederacy, as the member nations found themselves divided in their loyalties and alliances
- The Iroquois' involvement in the Revolution had far-reaching consequences for their political and territorial sovereignty
Neutrality attempts
- At the outset of the American Revolution, the Iroquois Confederacy sought to maintain neutrality and avoid being drawn into the conflict
- The Iroquois recognized that the war between the British and the American colonies was not their fight, and that involvement could lead to significant losses and hardship
- However, as the war progressed, it became increasingly difficult for the Iroquois to maintain neutrality, as both sides pressured them to take a stand
Mohawk alliance with British
- The Mohawk nation, under the leadership of Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), ultimately chose to ally with the British during the American Revolution
- Brant believed that the British were more likely to protect Iroquois lands and sovereignty than the American colonies
- The Mohawk fought alongside British forces in several major battles, including the Battle of Oriskany and the Sullivan Expedition
Oneida and Tuscarora alliance with Americans
- The Oneida and Tuscarora nations, in contrast to the Mohawk, chose to ally with the American colonies during the Revolution
- The Oneida and Tuscarora believed that the Americans were more likely to respect their land rights and political autonomy than the British
- The Oneida and Tuscarora provided significant military support to the American cause, fighting in battles such as the Battle of Oriskany and the Battle of Barren Hill
Consequences of divided loyalties
- The Iroquois Confederacy's divided loyalties during the American Revolution had significant consequences for their political and territorial sovereignty
- The war resulted in significant loss of life and property for all of the Iroquois nations, as well as the displacement of many Iroquois communities
- The Iroquois' alliances with the British and Americans also led to internal divisions and conflicts within the confederacy, which weakened its political and military power
Iroquois Confederacy after American Revolution
- The aftermath of the American Revolution brought significant challenges and changes to the Iroquois Confederacy
- The Iroquois had to navigate a new political landscape and fight to maintain their land, sovereignty, and way of life in the face of American expansion and
Treaty of Canandaigua
- The , signed in 1794 between the United States government and the Iroquois Confederacy, was an attempt to establish peace and friendship between the two parties
- The treaty recognized the Iroquois' sovereignty over their lands and promised to protect their territory from encroachment by American settlers
- However, the treaty was ultimately not fully honored by the United States government, and the Iroquois continued to face pressure to cede their lands and assimilate into American society
Loss of land and sovereignty
- Despite the promises made in the Treaty of Canandaigua, the Iroquois Confederacy continued to lose land and sovereignty in the decades following the American Revolution
- The United States government pursued a policy of Indian removal, which sought to relocate Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River in order to open up their lands for American settlement
- The Iroquois were not immune to this policy, and many were forced to relocate to reservations in New York, Wisconsin, and Ontario
Assimilation policies
- In addition to land loss and displacement, the Iroquois Confederacy also faced significant pressure to assimilate into American society in the 19th and early 20th centuries
- The United States government pursued a policy of cultural assimilation, which sought to eradicate Native American languages, religions, and traditions in favor of American cultural norms
- Iroquois children were often sent to boarding schools, where they were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their traditional customs
Lasting cultural impact
- Despite the many challenges and losses faced by the Iroquois Confederacy in the aftermath of the American Revolution, their cultural and political legacy continues to endure
- The Iroquois' system of and balance of power between nations has been studied and admired by political theorists and activists
- Iroquois art, music, and oral traditions continue to be celebrated and shared by Iroquois communities and the wider public
- The Iroquois Confederacy's struggle for sovereignty and self-determination has also inspired other indigenous groups around the world in their own fights for political and cultural rights
Key Terms to Review (32)
American Revolution: The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place from 1765 to 1783, during which the thirteen American colonies broke away from British rule to establish the United States of America. This period was marked by significant social, political, and economic changes, as well as conflicts between colonists and British authorities, leading to the creation of a new nation based on Enlightenment ideals of liberty and democracy.
Assimilation policies: Assimilation policies are strategies aimed at integrating individuals or groups into a dominant culture, often at the expense of their original cultural identities. These policies can manifest in various forms, including education systems, legal frameworks, and social practices that promote conformity to mainstream societal norms while erasing or marginalizing minority cultures. Such policies have significant implications for cultural diversity and identity, especially in contexts where marginalized communities seek to maintain their heritage.
Beaver wars: The beaver wars refer to a series of conflicts that took place in the 17th century between various Native American tribes, primarily the Iroquois Confederacy, and other groups over control of the lucrative fur trade, especially beaver pelts. These wars were driven by the demand for fur in European markets and significantly altered the dynamics of power among Indigenous peoples in the northeastern woodlands.
Cayuga: The Cayuga are one of the original five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Native American tribes in the northeastern United States. Known for their rich cultural heritage and agricultural practices, the Cayuga people played a significant role in the governance and military strategies of the Confederacy, which was vital in maintaining their autonomy and strength against European colonization.
Clan mothers: Clan mothers are matriarchal figures within Iroquois society who hold significant authority and responsibility for their clans. They are the decision-makers for family and community matters, ensuring the continuity of the clan's traditions and values, and play a crucial role in the Iroquois Confederacy's governance structure by selecting chiefs and advising on political issues.
Consensus-based decision making: Consensus-based decision making is a collaborative process where all members of a group work together to reach an agreement that everyone can accept. This approach emphasizes the importance of collective input and fosters a sense of ownership among participants, ensuring that decisions reflect the group's shared values and interests.
Consequences of divided loyalties: The consequences of divided loyalties refer to the conflicts and challenges that arise when individuals or groups are torn between competing allegiances. This can lead to difficult decisions, strained relationships, and sometimes even violent confrontations as people struggle to navigate their commitments to different factions or ideologies. In the context of the Iroquois Confederacy, these consequences significantly influenced tribal unity and alliances, impacting their responses during European colonization and conflicts with other Native American tribes.
Deganawida: Deganawida is a significant historical figure and the co-founder of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee. He is credited with uniting the five original nations—the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca—under a single political structure to promote peace, cooperation, and collective governance. His teachings emphasized the importance of unity and peace among tribes, setting the foundation for the democratic principles that would influence later political systems.
Fur trade: The fur trade refers to the commercial exchange of animal pelts and furs, particularly during the 16th to 19th centuries, which significantly impacted Indigenous communities, European economies, and colonial expansion. This trade established vital economic relationships and alliances between European settlers and Native American tribes, influencing cultural exchanges and territorial dynamics in North America.
Grand Council: The Grand Council refers to the central governing body of the Iroquois Confederacy, which was a significant alliance of Native American tribes in North America. This council played a crucial role in decision-making, diplomacy, and maintaining peace among the member nations, showcasing a sophisticated form of governance based on consensus and collective leadership.
Great Law of Peace: The Great Law of Peace is the foundational constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy, outlining the principles of governance, unity, and peace among the member nations. It emphasizes collective decision-making, the importance of consensus, and the value of community well-being, serving as a model for democratic governance long before European influence in North America.
Haudenosaunee: The Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, is a historically significant alliance of six Native American nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. This confederacy was formed to promote peace and cooperation among the nations, playing a crucial role in their political, social, and economic interactions with one another and European settlers.
Hiawatha: Hiawatha is a legendary figure in Iroquois culture, often credited as a co-founder of the Iroquois Confederacy, which was an important alliance among several Native American tribes. He is known for his role in promoting peace and unity among the warring factions of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tribes, and his story embodies the values of diplomacy and cooperation that were essential to the Confederacy's formation.
Iroquois Confederacy: The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a historic alliance of six Native American nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. This confederacy was established to promote peace and cooperation among its member nations, allowing them to collectively address common issues such as warfare, trade, and governance while maintaining their individual sovereignty.
Jesuit missionaries: Jesuit missionaries were members of the Society of Jesus, a religious order founded in the 16th century, dedicated to the spread of Catholicism and education. They played a significant role in the religious and cultural exchanges between European settlers and Indigenous peoples in North America, particularly in areas like the Iroquois Confederacy, where they sought to convert Native Americans while also documenting their languages and cultures.
Lasting cultural impact: Lasting cultural impact refers to the enduring influence that a group, movement, or event has on the beliefs, practices, and identities of a society over time. This concept highlights how certain cultural elements can shape and redefine social norms, traditions, and collective memory, often creating a legacy that persists across generations.
Longhouse: A longhouse is a traditional dwelling used by various Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Iroquois Confederacy, characterized by its elongated, communal structure made of wooden frames and bark. These houses typically housed multiple families, reflecting the social organization and cultural practices of the Iroquois, where kinship and community living were paramount.
Loss of land and sovereignty: Loss of land and sovereignty refers to the diminishing control and ownership that a group has over their territory and governance, often resulting from external pressures such as colonization, treaties, and conflicts. This concept is particularly important in understanding how indigenous nations, including the Iroquois Confederacy, faced significant territorial reduction and a corresponding decline in their political authority due to the expansion of European settlers and changing geopolitical dynamics.
Matrilineal society: A matrilineal society is a social structure in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's side of the family rather than the father's. This system often grants women significant roles in family and social life, including authority over property and decision-making. In such societies, children belong to their mother's clan, which influences their identity and relationships.
Mohawk: The Mohawk is one of the original five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Native American tribes located in what is now the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Known for their fierce warriors and strategic importance in trade and politics, the Mohawk played a crucial role in both inter-tribal relations and European colonial conflicts. Their societal structure was matrilineal, which significantly influenced their governance and cultural practices.
Mohawk Alliance with British: The Mohawk Alliance with the British refers to the strategic partnership formed between the Mohawk people and British colonial forces, primarily during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. This alliance was crucial in the context of the Iroquois Confederacy, as it highlighted the political dynamics and shifting loyalties among the Six Nations as they navigated European colonial conflicts and sought to protect their lands and way of life.
Neutrality attempts: Neutrality attempts refer to the efforts made by various groups or entities to maintain a position of non-involvement in conflicts or political alliances. In the context of the Iroquois Confederacy, these attempts were significant as they sought to navigate the pressures of European colonization and warfare while preserving their sovereignty and internal unity. The Confederacy aimed to balance relationships with European powers and neighboring tribes, demonstrating a complex political strategy in times of external threats.
Oneida: The Oneida are one of the original members of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Native American tribes in the northeastern United States. Known for their rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the Confederacy, the Oneida played a vital role in shaping the political landscape of the region through their diplomatic and military strategies.
Oneida and Tuscarora Alliance with Americans: The Oneida and Tuscarora alliance with Americans refers to the collaborative relationship formed between these two Native American tribes and colonial settlers during the 18th century, particularly during the American Revolution. This alliance played a significant role in shifting the balance of power in favor of the American colonists, as both tribes provided crucial support in terms of military assistance and intelligence against rival tribes and British forces. The alliance also highlights the complexities of Indigenous diplomacy and the varying responses of tribes to European encroachment.
Onondaga: The Onondaga are one of the original member nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Native American tribes in the northeastern United States. Known as the 'Keepers of the Central Fire,' the Onondaga played a crucial role in maintaining the unity and governance of the Confederacy, which was pivotal for political and military cooperation among the tribes.
Oral traditions: Oral traditions refer to the practice of passing down stories, beliefs, and cultural knowledge through spoken word rather than written texts. This method of communication is crucial for preserving cultural identity and history, often involving storytelling, songs, and rituals that convey values and teachings across generations. Oral traditions serve as a bridge connecting the past to the present, maintaining the heritage of communities while adapting to contemporary contexts.
Sachems: Sachems are the leaders or chiefs of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful alliance of several Native American tribes. These leaders played a crucial role in governance, making decisions on behalf of their communities and representing their interests in council meetings. Sachems were selected based on their leadership qualities and were expected to act in the best interest of their people, ensuring harmony and cooperation among the tribes.
Seneca: The Seneca are one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, originally inhabiting the region that is now western New York. Known as the 'Keepers of the Western Door,' they played a crucial role in the political and social dynamics of the Iroquois Confederacy, which was a sophisticated and influential alliance among Native American tribes.
Shifting alliances: Shifting alliances refer to the changing partnerships and relationships among groups, particularly in the context of power dynamics and territorial disputes. This concept highlights how groups, such as tribes or nations, may form or dissolve alliances based on changing interests, threats, or opportunities. Understanding shifting alliances is crucial in examining the complexities of political and social interactions, particularly in historical contexts like the Iroquois Confederacy.
Treaty of Canandaigua: The Treaty of Canandaigua, signed in 1794, was an agreement between the United States and the Iroquois Confederacy that aimed to establish peace and define land boundaries in New York State. This treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Iroquois and marked a significant moment in U.S.-Native American relations, influencing future interactions and treaties with indigenous peoples.
Tuscarora: The Tuscarora are a Native American tribe originally from the northeastern United States, particularly North Carolina, who later migrated to New York and became one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Their migration and subsequent joining of the Confederacy played a crucial role in the power dynamics and social structure of this influential political alliance.
Wampum Belts: Wampum belts are traditional Native American artifacts made from beads crafted from shells, primarily used by Indigenous peoples in the Northeastern United States. These belts served as important symbols of agreements, treaties, and historical narratives, particularly among the Iroquois Confederacy, acting as a form of communication and record-keeping.