The Birth of American Democracy

The video explores the often-overlooked influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the development of democratic principles in the United States. It highlights how the Iroquois' system of governance, known as the Great Law of Peace, inspired the framers of the US Constitution. The Iroquois Confederacy, a union of tribes in New York, provided a model of democracy where each tribe had a voice, and major decisions were made collectively. The video also discusses historical events like the Albany Congress and the Continental Congress, where the Iroquois shared their ideas. Despite their significant impact, the Iroquois' contributions are not widely taught in US education, which often credits Ancient Greece as the sole origin of democracy.

How did Benjamin Franklin contribute to the relationship between the Iroquois Confederacy and the American colonies?

Why do you think the influence of native Americans on democracy is often overlooked in US education?