The Iroquois Nation

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There are 566 federally identified Native American tribes in the United States.1 These tribes are diverse in many aspects. The diversity of the Native American tribes changed the way separate tribes influenced American history greatly. Separate origins lead some people to believe that different clans had nothing in common.2 The environment in which Natives lived affected how significant their influence was. Better environment created a better foundation for a more systematic belief system. The more advanced a system was, the more impact it allowed. Due to various environmental factors, the Iroquois Nation became the most advanced and influential Native American tribe in all of North American History. The Iroquois Nation consisted of five …show more content…
When decisions about important matters, such as war, needed to be made, a council of sachems would meet. During these meetings of sachems, 50 chiefs would come to together to discuss and vote on such matters. The Iroquois government demanded that decisions on waging war have complete consensus before anything would be acted upon.8 The Nation also included a Grand Council in their government. Annually, the Grand Council reported to a “Great Assembly.” The assembly was composed of members of the Oneida tribe and had the power to overthrow the council if the subject being discussed was found controversial.9 The assembly even went as far as to create an idea of reelection. Every year, the assembly had the chance to replace the members of the Grand Council. This helped keep peace and organization between the various tribes in the Nation. The harmonious nature of the Nation caused it to excel in impacting …show more content…
Both groups of settlers shifted the emphasis of economic activities in the United States but did so in different directions. This caused rivalry between France and Britain. Warfare in America intensified throughout the eighteenth century. The French and the British desired the Iroquois Nation as an ally throughout the French and Indian War. The Nation held a military power that would benefit both sides of the conflict. The French and the British soon found that keeping well with the Iroquois Nation and confirming a sense of neutrality was best.11 However, Britain gained the trust of the Nation and formed an alliance. The British relied heavily on the Iroquois in beating the French in the French and Indian War. Without their support in the war, Britain would not have beaten the French. Soon after the war, the Iroquois Nation began to lose trust in the
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