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