Iroquois Confederacy History and Geography

Iroquois Confederacy

• Formed around 1570, consisting of the Mohawk, Oneida, Seneca, Onondaga, and Cayuga nations.
• Later expanded with the addition of the Tuscarora in 1722.
• Aimed at maintaining peace and mutual protection from European and other nation attacks.

Geographic Distribution

• Traditional lands mainly located in present-day United States, with some territories extending into Canada.
• Maps illustrate territorial changes over time due to conflicts and treaties.

Impact of the Revolutionary War

• Many indigenous peoples, including the Iroquois, were displaced following their alliance with the British during the American Revolutionary War.
• Forced migrations northward to Canadian territories occurred.

Overview of Nations within the Confederacy

• Seneca: Largest and westernmost, skilled in war and diplomacy.
• Cayuga: Centered around Cayuga Lake, divided into five clans.
• Onondaga: Central and known as "Keepers of the Fire," central in mediation and record-keeping.
• Oneida: Spread across modern-day New York, known for three clans and forced displacement post-Revolutionary War.
• Mohawk: Easternmost, guarding the eastern entrance to the Confederacy.
• Tuscarora: Latest addition, originally from North Carolina, joined in 1722 with Oneida sponsorship.

Governance and Constitution

• Governed by the Great Law of Peace, an oral constitution detailing council functions, rights, and responsibilities.
• Symbolized through wampum belts, containing intricate designs representing key aspects of Haudenosaunee history and traditions.

Women in Haudenosaunee Society

• Haudenosaunee society is matriarchal, with women holding significant power.
• Role of Clan Mothers pivotal in governance, including the selection and removal of chiefs.
• Matrilineal descent and responsibilities in food production, clothing, and household affairs highlight women's central role.

Cultural Practices

• Use of wampum in communication and ceremonial contexts, emphasizing truth and attention during meetings.
• Historical figures like Jigonhsasee played crucial roles in the formation of the Confederacy.

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Athenian Democracy

• Emerged in Athens around 508 BC, emphasizing "people power."
• Key governmental bodies: the Ecclesia (assembly), the Boule (council), and the courts.

Geographic and Historical Context

• Greece, a peninsula surrounded by water, features mountainous landscapes and islands.
• Major events in Greek history include the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, the Trojan War, and the rise of democracy.

Forms of Government

• Monarchy: Ruled by a single power or tyrant.
• Oligarchy: Governed by a small group of wealthy citizens.
• Democracy: Power vested in the people, with elected officials and citizen participation.

Democratic Processes

• Voting: Citizens participated in decision-making through methods like placing pebbles in vases.
• Eligibility: Only male citizens who met specific criteria could vote, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners.

Criticisms and Inequalities

• Limited Participation: Despite democratic principles, only a small portion of the population had a say in government.
• Role of Women: Women lacked political rights and were confined to domestic roles.
• Role of Slaves: Enslaved individuals performed laborious tasks and had minimal rights.
• Role of Children: Education and societal roles varied by gender, with boys receiving formal education and military training.