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Iroquois Great Law of Peace — Reading Comprehension

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This passage examines the Iroquois Great Law of Peace and its historical significance as the foundation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Students will learn how the Great Law established a constitution, united six nations, and provided systems for governance, conflict resolution, and peace. The text addresses the complexities of unity among diverse nations, the lasting influence of the Iroquois on American democratic ideas, and the importance of oral tradition in preserving history. This reading passage aligns with HSS 5.1.2 and 8.2.1, as well as CCSS.RI.6-8.1 and RI.6-8.3. It includes a glossary, differentiated and Spanish versions, a timeline, graphic organizers, and both reading and writing activities. The lesson offers read aloud audio and Spanish translation to support all learners, fostering historical thinking, vocabulary development, and text analysis.

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"1914 Panoramic View of Iroquois" by Uploaded to EN wiki by Chris 73 /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The Iroquois Great Law of Peace was the foundation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, a powerful alliance of six Native American nations in northeastern North America. These nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later Tuscarora—formed a confederacy that promoted peace, unity, and collective strength. The Great Law of Peace was an oral constitution, a set of traditional rules and principles passed down through generations by spoken word and wampum belts.

Before the Great Law, the Iroquois nations struggled with frequent conflicts and cycles of revenge. These disputes weakened the nations and made them vulnerable to outside threats. To solve these problems, leaders known as sachems gathered and listened to the message of peace brought by two legendary figures—Deganawida, known as the Peacemaker, and his spokesperson Hiawatha. Together, they convinced the nations to unite under one system of governance.

The new system included a Grand Council, where representatives from each nation met to discuss important matters. This council was built on the ideas of equality, consensus, and respect for all voices. Decisions were reached through discussion and required agreement from all nations, which is called consensus. The Great Law also outlined rules for resolving disputes without violence, promoting justice and harmony instead of revenge. This system created a stable society based on cooperation rather than conflict.

One remarkable aspect of the Great Law was its commitment to balancing power among the nations. Each nation retained its own leaders and traditions but agreed to follow shared rules when acting together. This balance was symbolized by the Tree of Peace, an important image representing unity and security for all the people. The use of wampum belts—beaded records—helped preserve the constitution and marked important agreements.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy lasted for centuries and became one of the most influential political systems in North America. The Great Law of Peace influenced the development of the United States Constitution. Early American leaders, such as Benjamin Franklin, studied the Iroquois model as they planned a union of the original thirteen colonies. Although there were differences, such as the role of women and the oral tradition, the Iroquois system inspired ideas about federalism and representative government.

However, the arrival of European settlers created new challenges for the Confederacy. Pressures from colonization, treaties, and wars forced changes in traditional ways of life. Even so, the principles of the Great Law—unity, peace, and respect—remain central to Haudenosaunee identity today. The Great Law of Peace continues to be honored and taught, reminding people of the power of cooperation and shared governance.

Interesting Fact: The Haudenosaunee were among the earliest societies to give women a central role in choosing leaders and making decisions within their government.

Which nations formed the Iroquois Confederacy?

Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, TuscaroraCherokee, Mohican, Powhatan, ShawneeNavajo, Sioux, Apache, ComanchePequot, Wampanoag, Lenape, Creek

What symbolized unity among the Iroquois?

The Tree of PeaceA stone circleA buffalo hornThe wampum belt only

Who helped unite the Iroquois nations?

Deganawida and HiawathaChief Sitting BullBenjamin FranklinTecumseh

Why did the Iroquois create a confederacy?

To end fighting and promote unityTo expand their landTo trade with EuropeansTo build cities

What is consensus?

Agreement by all after discussionMajority votingOne leader decidesIgnoring disagreement

How did the Great Law influence the U.S.?

Inspired ideas about federalismChanged farming techniquesCreated new languagesLed to more wars

The Great Law is still important today. True or false?

TrueFalse