We usually attribute “All-American” ideals such as democracy and harmony to ancient Greece, Rome, or European philosophers. But one of the influences that inspired a lot of American standards is unexpected. It’s time to give credit where credit is due.
The Iroquois Confederacy – America’s First Democracy
Did you know that Native American politics, the Iroquois Confederacy, influenced some American systems? Six tribes were united under an advanced system of government by the Iroquois Confederacy long before the Founding Fathers. It was the very first participatory democracy in North America. Benjamin Franklin was extremely impressed with their system and borrowed key elements of America’s government from their structure.
The Albany Plan – Drawn from Native Leadership
Franklin suggested the Albany Plan of Union in 1754, which would have united the colonies under a single government. This was a replication of the Iroquois system, in which tribes were separate but collaborated on significant matters. This was not implemented, but it set the stage for some current American customs and laws.
Checks, Balances, and Public Debate
Within the Iroquois system of checks and balances, more than one group had to make decisions on important matters. They also practiced respectful disagreement: something Franklin drew inspiration from and compared to the frequently disorganized British Parliament. This principle was applied in the organization of the U.S. Congress.
The Great Law of Peace – A Constitution Before the Constitution
The Iroquois Great Law of Peace instilled codes such as elected government, diplomacy, and committee decision-making three centuries before the U.S. Constitution. Some of its doctrines, including leaders answering to the people, were incorporated into America’s founding documents. The Confederation of the Iroquois did not have a direct influence on the Constitution of the United States but deserves mention as a political system that evolved independently with the oldest still-functioning constitution in North America.
Symbols and Imagery – Borrowed Heritage
Some symbols of America originated with the natives. The bald eagle, which is a potent symbol of America, was considered sacred by Native peoples. The Iroquois Confederacy’s “Tree of Peace” became the blueprint for American ideals of unity and strength in cooperation.
Native Diplomacy – Lessons in Politics
Unlike European monarchies, Native American councils were controlled not by brute force but by consensus and negotiation. Franklin admired their structured process, remarking that their councils were more respectful and structured than British political discourse.
Native Leaders Advised the Founding Fathers
Iroquois leaders had addressed the Continental Congress, offering leadership on government and unity. Canassatego, a distinguished Iroquois diplomat, suggested to the colonies that they form a confederation similar to that of the Iroquois League. This partly influenced the Articles of Confederation.
Forgotten Contributions – Why This History Was Erased
Although they made such a profound difference, Native American contributions never even appeared in history texts. The Founding Fathers mirrored some of their ways while simultaneously portraying Native people as “savages.” However, awareness about Native American influences on some American systems is gaining traction.
Time to Give Credit
America boasts of democracy and unity, but these were not created out of thin air. Some customs of the Iroquois Confederacy played a role in America’s historical and political trajectory. The time has come to acknowledge and provide recognition to the Native American contribution to the nation’s most treasured principles.
Sources
How the Iroquois Great Law of Peace Shaped U.S. Democracy
The Iroquois Confederation Constitution: An Analysis
