"The Great Law" - Injunuity

Summary

This video explores the profound influence of the Iroquois Haudenosaunee people on the development of American governance. It highlights key figures such as Hiawatha and Deganawida, who united to establish 'The Great Law' of peace, which emphasized separation of powers and federalism. Notable interactions between Iroquois leaders and early American statesmen, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, are discussed, illustrating how Native American principles shaped foundational ideas of unity and government in the colonies. The narrative underscores the Iroquois' lasting impact on American political thought and their role in the early formation of the United States.

Takeaways

• 🌒 Major funding for Injunuity was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
• 🔭 The story discusses a tradition among clans regarding revenge killings during a total eclipse.
• 🗣️ Hiawatha and Deganawida collaborated to end blood feuds and create 'The Great Law'.
• 📜 The Iroquois Haudenosaunee significantly influenced American governmental development.
• ⚖️ Key ideas from the Iroquois include separation of powers, sovereignty, and federalism.
• 🕊️ 'The Great Law' maintained peace among the Six Nations and provided a defense model.
• 📚 Benjamin Franklin published 'Indian Treaties,' which included speeches from Native leaders.
• 🤝 An Iroquois chief encouraged the colonies to unite similarly to their own confederation.
• 🏛️ Franklin's Albany Plan of Union in 1754 was inspired by Iroquois governance models.
• 🏛️ Iroquois chiefs observed the Continental Congress and influenced discussions about unity.
• 🧐 In 1785, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe studied the Iroquois system to inform a new constitution.

Q & A

What was the major funding source for Injunuity?

The major funding for Injunuity was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

What cultural practice is mentioned in relation to clan violence?

The transcript describes a cultural practice where if someone is killed by another clan or nation, the affected clan is bound to kill or capture at least one person from the group responsible.

Who were Hiawatha and Deganawida, and what did they aim to achieve?

Hiawatha was a skilled speaker, while Deganawida, sometimes described as a stutterer, had many great ideas. Together, they aimed to stop the blood feuds among the clans and developed 'The Great Law'.

What is 'The Great Law' and its significance?

'The Great Law' is a set of principles that maintained peace among the Six Nations and provided a model for defense against external powers. It also significantly influenced the development of American government.

How did the Iroquois influence American government?

The Iroquois influenced American government through ideas of separation of powers, sovereignty, and federalism, which are reflected in the U.S. Constitution.

What did Benjamin Franklin publish, and what was its content?

Benjamin Franklin published a book called 'Indian Treaties', which included speeches by Haudenosaunee and other Native American leaders regarding peace and government.

What was the Albany Plan of Union?

The Albany Plan of Union, developed by Franklin in 1754, was the first proposal for uniting the American colonies, influenced by the structure of Iroquois governance.

What notable event involved Iroquois chiefs in Philadelphia?

A group of Iroquois chiefs was invited to view the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where they famously made John Hancock the 'great tree'.

Which three figures studied the Iroquois system for constitutional insights?

Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe studied the Iroquois system to find insights for creating a new constitution after frustrations with the Articles of Confederation.

Who was Madison's friend among the Oneida, and what was their relationship?

Madison's friend was an Oneida chief referred to as the grasshopper, whom he had known for a long time, indicating a personal connection and shared history.