Member-only story

Who Are These People Anyway? The Iroquois and Their Neighbors

Chadwick Powell

·3.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Who Are These People Anyway? (The Iroquois And Their Neighbors)

5 min read · 1 month before

176 View Claps

33 Respond

Save

Listen

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, was a powerful and influential alliance of six Native American nations that dominated the northeastern woodlands of North America for centuries. Their territory extended from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, and they were known for their skilled warriors, their sophisticated political system, and their unique culture.

Who Are These People Anyway? (The Iroquois and Their Neighbors)

by Dan Morain

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1416 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	209 pages

In this book, we will explore the history, culture, and legacy of the Iroquois Confederacy and their neighbors. We will learn about their origins, their beliefs, their way of life, and their impact on the history of North America.

Chapter 1: The Origins of the Iroquois Confederacy

The Iroquois Confederacy was founded in the 16th century by five Native American nations: the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk. These nations had been living in the northeastern woodlands for centuries, but they were constantly at war with each other.

In 1570, a great peacemaker named Dekanawida visited the Iroquois nations and convinced them to form a confederacy. Dekanawida taught the Iroquois the Great Law of Peace, which established a system of government based on consensus and mutual respect.

The Great Law of Peace brought an end to the warfare between the Iroquois nations, and it allowed them to unite against their common enemies.

Chapter 2: The Iroquois Confederacy

The Iroquois Confederacy was a unique and complex political system. It was based on the principle of consensus, and all decisions were made by the consensus of the chiefs of the six nations.

The Confederacy was divided into three levels of government: the local level, the regional level, and the national level.

The local level of government was made up of the clans and families that lived in each longhouse. Each longhouse had its own chief, who was responsible for the well-being of his people.

The regional level of government was made up of the five nations that made up the Confederacy. Each nation had its own council of chiefs, which was responsible for making decisions for that nation.

The national level of government was made up of the Grand Council, which was composed of the chiefs of all six nations.

The Grand Council was responsible for making decisions that affected the entire Confederacy.

Chapter 3: The Iroquois Way of Life

The Iroquois were a skilled and resourceful people. They lived in longhouses, which were large, communal dwellings that could house up to 100 people.

The Iroquois were farmers, hunters, and fishermen. They grew corn, beans, and squash, and they also hunted deer, bear, and other animals.

The Iroquois were also skilled craftsmen. They made beautiful pottery, baskets, and wampum belts.

The Iroquois had a rich social and cultural life. They had a variety of ceremonies and festivals, and they enjoyed playing games and telling stories.

Chapter 4: The Iroquois and Their Neighbors

The Iroquois Confederacy was not the only Native American nation in the northeastern woodlands. They were surrounded by a number of other tribes, including the Algonquian, Huron, and Erie.

The Iroquois had a complex relationship with their neighbors. They were sometimes at war with each other, but they also traded with each other and formed alliances.

The Iroquois were also influenced by their European neighbors. They traded with the French and Dutch, and they adopted some of their customs.

Chapter 5: The Iroquois and the American Revolution

The Iroquois played a significant role in the American Revolution. They were divided in their loyalties, with some tribes siding with the British and others siding with the Americans.

The Iroquois who sided with the British were led by Joseph Brant, a Mohawk chief who was a close ally of the British general John Burgoyne.

The Iroquois who sided with the Americans were led by Red Jacket, a Seneca chief who was a strong supporter of the American cause.

The Iroquois who fought on the side of the British were defeated by George Washington at the Battle of Saratoga.