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The League of Peace and Power-The Six Iroquois Nations and the American Revolution
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Author: Shannon C. McCutchen, Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, Baltimore City Public School System
Grade Level: Upper Elementary/Middle
Duration: 2-3 periods
Overview:
Over the course of centuries, the Six Nations of Iroquois speakers, in the region comprised today by the state of New York, formed a Great League of Peace and Power in order to preserve good relations among their communities. However, during the American Revolution, the league was unable to safeguard the alliance of Nations. In an attempt to maintain their sovereignty and independence the Iroquois were forced to divide their loyalties between the British and the Americans. In this lesson, students will discover how this organization of Native American tribes collapsed under the pressures of the American Revolution before coming back together to sign a treaty of friendship and reconciliation with the new United States government.
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