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The spiritual union of the nations began before European contact, replete with a Constitution recorded with special beads called wampum that served the same purpose as writing in other cultures. Most Western anthropologists speculate that this Constitution was created sometime between the middle 1400s and early 1600s, but other scholars who account for Iroquois oral tradition argue that the event took place as early as 1100, with many arguing for August 31, 1142 based on a coinciding solar eclipse (see Fields and Mann, "American Indian Culture and Research Journal, Volume 21 #2). Some Westerners have also suggested that this Constitution was written with European help - although most dismiss this notion as blatant racism.

The visionaries Hiawatha and The Great Peacemaker brought a message of peace to the original five nations. These were the Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Mohawks.

For the most part they ceased fighting with one another and became one of the strongest forces in the 17th16th century 17th century 18th century more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601- 1700. During this period, the power of England and the United Provinces increased; while that of and 18th century17th century 18th century 19th century more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701- 1800; however, historians will sometimes specifically refer to the 18th Century as 1715- 89, in northeastern North AmericaNorth America is the third largest continent in area and the fourth ranked in population. It is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the North Pacific Ocea. They engaged in a series of wars against the FrenchThe French and Iroquois Wars (also called the Iroquois Wars or the Beaver Wars were an intermittent series of conflicts fought in the late 17th century in eastern North America, in which the Iroquois sought to expand their territory and take control of th and their Huron allies, as well as other native tribeViewed historically or developmentally, a tribe consists of a social formation existing before the development of, or outside of, states. Many people use the term to refer to any non- Western or indigenous society. Some social scientists use the term to rs.

According to Francis ParkmanFrancis Parkman ( September 16, 1823 November 8, 1893) was born in Boston, Massachusetts and died in Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known as a historian, and particularly as author of The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mount, the Iroquois at the 17th century height of their power had a population of around only 12,000 people.

In 1720Events January 6 The Committee of Inquiry on the South Sea Bubble publishes its findings February 11 Sweden and Prussia sign the ( 2nd Treaty of Stockholm) declaring peace. February 29 Queen Ulrike Eleonora of Sweden resigns. The Tuscarora fled North Caro the Tuscarora fled the European invasion of North Carolina to New York to become the sixth nation (non-voting) under the protection of the confederacy.

The combined leadership of these nations is known as the Haudenosaunee. It should be noted that "Haudenosaunee" is the term that the people use to refer to themselves. The word "Iroquois" comes from a French version of a Huron (Wendat) name - considered an insult - meaning "Black Snakes." Haudenosaunee means "People Building a Long House." The term is said to have been introduced by the Peace Maker at the time of the formation of the Confederacy. It implies that the Nations of the confederacy should live together as families in the same house.

The Iroquois political union and democratic government has been credited as one of the influences on the United States Constitution.