how is the iroquois confederacy diff. from the colonial government?
The Iroquois Confederacy and colonial governments are fundamentally different in terms of their structure, governing principles, and origin. Here's how you can understand the differences between the two:
1. Structure: The Iroquois Confederacy was a loose alliance of six Native American tribes - Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Each tribe maintained its own independent governance within the confederacy. In contrast, colonial governments were established by European powers and were typically hierarchical with appointed or elected officials and a centralized authority.
2. Governing Principles: The Iroquois Confederacy operated under a system of consensus-based decision-making. Each tribe had a representative in the Grand Council, where major decisions were made through discussion and consensus. Colonial governments, on the other hand, often functioned under a top-down system where power and decision-making authority were concentrated in the hands of colonial leaders or a distant ruler.
3. Origin: The Iroquois Confederacy was founded centuries before European colonization of the Americas. Its formation predates the arrival of Europeans and was primarily driven by the need for mutual defense and peacekeeping among the member tribes. In contrast, colonial governments were established as a result of European expansion and colonization, with the aim of exerting control over conquered territories and exploiting their resources.
To summarize, the Iroquois Confederacy and colonial governments differ in terms of their structure, governing principles, and origin. While the Iroquois Confederacy was a loose alliance rooted in consensus decision-making and founded by Native American tribes, colonial governments were hierarchical systems imposed by European powers for the purpose of control and exploitation.