The Iroquois Confederacy
  • 1. The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee or the Six Nations, was a sophisticated political alliance formed by several Native American tribes in the northeastern region of North America, notably comprising the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later the Tuscarora. Established prior to European colonization, this confederacy exemplified a remarkable system of governance characterized by a constitution known as the Great Law of Peace, which emphasized principles such as collective decision-making, mutual respect, and the safeguarding of individual rights. The Iroquois Confederacy played a pivotal role in the dynamics of colonial America, engaging in diplomacy and trade with European powers while also influencing the development of democratic ideas, which some historians argue inspired elements of the United States Constitution. The Council of the Iroquois, composed of representatives from each nation, made decisions through consensus, highlighting their commitment to cooperation and unity. Besides politics, the Confederacy's cultural practices, such as the longhouse tradition and seasonal ceremonies, underscored their deep connection to the land and community. The Iroquois demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of European encroachment, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped both their history and the broader narrative of Native American interactions with settlers.

    What is another name for the Iroquois Confederacy?
A) Sioux
B) Miwok
C) Algonquin
D) Haudenosaunee
  • 2. Which nations were the original members of the Confederacy?
A) Sioux, Osage, Comanche
B) Algonquin, Huron, Ottawa
C) Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca
D) Cherokee, Creek, Shawnee
  • 3. What was the purpose of the Iroquois Confederacy?
A) To wage war against other tribes
B) To establish a monarchy
C) To trade with Europeans
D) To promote peace and cooperation among the member nations
  • 4. Who is credited with founding the Iroquois Confederacy?
A) Deganawida and Hiawatha
B) Cornplanter
C) Tecumseh
D) Crazy Horse
  • 5. What is the Great Law of Peace?
A) A peace pipe document
B) An agricultural guideline
C) The constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy
D) A treaty with the British
  • 6. Which tree is associated with the Iroquois Confederacy's formation?
A) The Maple Tree
B) The Tree of Peace
C) The Oak Tree
D) The Cedar Tree
  • 7. In what present-day state is the Iroquois Confederacy primarily located?
A) California
B) Florida
C) Texas
D) New York
  • 8. How many chiefs does each nation have in the Confederacy?
A) Four
B) Two
C) One
D) Three
  • 9. What is the matrilineal system?
A) A system where lineage is traced through the father
B) A system where lineage is traced through the mother
C) A system of trade relations
D) A system of strong leaders
  • 10. What role did women play in Iroquois society?
A) They had no influence
B) They were leaders in warfare
C) They held significant power and were decision-makers
D) They were mainly caregivers
  • 11. What does the Iroquois Confederacy symbolize in American history?
A) A religious order
B) A trade union
C) A military alliance
D) An early example of democratic governance
  • 12. Which Iroquois nation is known as the 'Keepers of the Eastern Door'?
A) Oneida
B) Mohawk
C) Cayuga
D) Seneca
  • 13. Which animal is a symbol of the Iroquois Confederacy?
A) The buffalo
B) The bear
C) The eagle
D) The wolf
  • 14. What type of housing did the Iroquois live in?
A) Igloos
B) Tipis
C) Longhouses
D) Mud huts
  • 15. What does the term 'Gayanashagowa' refer to?
A) The Great Law of Peace
B) The Iroquois War Path
C) An agricultural practice
D) A festival
  • 16. Which Iroquois nation is known as the 'Keepers of the Western Door'?
A) Onondaga
B) Cayuga
C) Mohawk
D) Seneca
  • 17. What festival celebrates the new harvest?
A) The Winter Festival
B) The Spring Festival
C) The Gathering of Nations
D) The Green Corn Festival
  • 18. In traditional Iroquois society, which group had the authority to select leaders?
A) Common men.
B) Clan mothers.
C) Warriors.
D) Elders only.
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