The Government of the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) and its Dissolution during the American Revolutionary War
For this assignment, you will complete a research paper using secondary sources to answer specific questions about the government and society of the Iroquois Confederacy and its six member tribes, and the impact the American Revolution had on that government and those tribes. Diplomatic and military actions taken toward the Confederacy and its member tribes by the Americans and British should also be covered. The paper should be well cited in MLA format with an annotated Works Cited page. The paper will be worth 100 points toward your final grade, which will now total 600 points (grade ranges will now cover 60 points instead of 50 points). The requirements and rubric will be as follows.
Background: The Iroquois Confederacy and its Government
The founding of the Iroquois system of government and alliance should be briefly covered. Then an explanation of how the government worked, including the decision-making process and the roles of the different tribes, should be covered in greater detail. Also, explain how the Tuscarora were incorporated into the body politic of the Confederacy after its founding.
Foundation: 5 points
Government system: 10 points
The Coming of the Revolution
The decisions made by each tribe at the start of the Revolution, especially in terms of which side to assist (or if to assist any side), must be covered. Diplomatic overtures from the Americans and British must be detailed. Major figures among the Iroquois, Americans, and British, along with their actions and beliefs, must be discussed.
Tribal decisions: 15 points
American/British diplomacy: 10 points
Major figures: 10 points
The Progress of the War
Actions taken against the Iroquois within Iroquois country during the war, as well as actions taken by Iroquois warriors and leaders outside of Iroquois country, must be covered. Be sure to note any changes in allegiance for the tribes as the war progresses.
Actions/events in Iroquois country: 10 points
Actions undertaken by Iroquois warriors: 10 points
The Outcome of the War for the Iroquois
Explain the repercussions of the war for the Iroquois. Do this both from the standpoint of the Iroquois government and how tribes were (or were not) reintegrated, and from the standpoint of how the Confederacy was treated by the Americans and the British after the war.
Iroquois postwar intertribal repercussions: 10 points
Actions taken by American and British governments towards the Iroquois after the war: 10 points
