Hiawatha - The Great Law of Peace - Extra History - Part 1

Summary

The script narrates the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, guided by Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, who sought to unite five warring nations—Onondaga, Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca—under the Great Law of Peace. This historic confederacy, predating European arrival, established a constitution with 117 articles that still influences the people today. The story emphasizes the importance of peace, unity, and the role of women as clan leaders, who had the power to select and depose chiefs. The narrative also touches on the challenges faced in convincing warlike chiefs like Tadodaho to embrace peace, highlighting the transformative journey towards unity and the enduring impact of the Great Law of Peace.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois, formed a confederacy long before European arrival in North America.
• 📜 The Great Law of Peace, with 117 articles, is a constitution that has guided the Haudenosaunee and influenced the U.S. Constitution.
• 🕊️ Hiawatha, a key figure in Haudenosaunee history, is known for his efforts to establish peace among warring tribes.
• 🏰 The Peacemaker, another influential figure, convinced the Mohawk to embrace peace and later worked with Hiawatha to spread this philosophy.
• 💭 The story of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker is part of the oral tradition of the Haudenosaunee, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in their culture.
• 🤝 The confederacy aimed to unite the Five Nations: Onondaga, Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca, under a single law promoting peace and cooperation.
• 👵 Jigonsaseh, a Seneca woman, played a crucial role as a messenger and advocate for peace, highlighting the significant influence of women in the confederacy.
• 🗣️ The Peacemaker's message emphasized that true strength comes from choosing peace and unity, rather than from war and violence.
• 🔄 The process of forming the confederacy involved extensive dialogue and debate, reflecting a commitment to consensus and collective decision-making.
• 🌟 The story of the Haudenosaunee confederacy serves as a historical example of successful diplomacy and the pursuit of peace among diverse groups.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Five Nations confederacy formed before European arrival in North America?

The Five Nations confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, was significant as it created a governing system guided by the will of the people, which included a constitution with 117 articles that ensured the rights of the people and responsibilities of their leaders.

What is the Great Law of Peace and how does it relate to the Haudenosaunee?

The Great Law of Peace is a constitution created by the Haudenosaunee that still guides them today. It consists of 117 articles and was instrumental in shaping the U.S. constitution.

Who were the Haudenosaunee, and what is the origin of their name?

The Haudenosaunee, referred to by Europeans as Iroquois, are a group of Native American tribes known as 'People of the Longhouse.' Their confederacy predates European arrival in North America by possibly a millennium.

Who is Hiawatha in the context of the Haudenosaunee confederacy?

Hiawatha is one of the founders of the Haudenosaunee confederacy. He is known for his efforts to bring peace among the warring tribes and for his role in the formation of the Great Law of Peace.

What role did the Peacemaker play in the formation of the Haudenosaunee confederacy?

The Peacemaker was a key figure who convinced the Mohawk to embrace a peaceful way of life and later collaborated with Hiawatha to unite the Five Nations under the Great Law of Peace.

Why did Hiawatha leave the Onondaga tribe?

Hiawatha left the Onondaga tribe because he was grieving the loss of his family and was disillusioned with the constant state of war. He sought to propose peace, but his ideas were rejected by the chief Tadodaho.

What was the significance of the wampum beads Hiawatha presented to the Peacemaker?

The wampum beads, with white representing peace and dark representing war, symbolized Hiawatha's desire for peace to overcome war. This was a novel use of wampum to convey a message, which the Peacemaker appreciated.

Who is Jigonsaseh and what was her role in the confederacy?

Jigonsaseh was a Seneca woman who had been forging small alliances across the Five Nations by providing refuge and promoting peace. She was crucial in helping the Peacemaker and Hiawatha spread their message of peace.

How did the Peacemaker convince the Oneida tribe to join the Great Law of Peace?

The Peacemaker convinced the Oneida by emphasizing the strength and unity that would come from peace, and by arguing that war was a betrayal of the Creator's wishes and the people's interests.

What was Tadodaho's stance on the Great Law of Peace, and why?

Tadodaho, the leader of the Onondaga, was against the Great Law of Peace because he saw war as his identity and the foundation of his power. He had no interest in peace and refused to negotiate.

How did the Peacemaker and his allies plan to approach Tadodaho after the Cayuga joined the Great Law of Peace?

After the Cayuga joined, the Peacemaker, Hiawatha, and Jigonsaseh planned to confront Tadodaho again, with Hiawatha considering how to bring him around to the idea of peace.