The Iroquois Confederacy

[natethegreat]

Are the Iroquois the most powerful and most relevant Native American tribe in history?  They were such a military power that could rival and make threats to the British and the Americans. They had a massive landbase as early as 1600. They conquered their enemies in all directions. They were very wealthy with large farms and tree orchards. They could muster 20,000 warriors. Their power lasted for hundreds of years. They had many leaders such as Cornplanter, Joseph Brandt, Red Jacket. Ultimately they were divided from within like so many other once powerful tribes. So, I believe that the Iroquois should be held in high regards. You talk about great tribes like the Lakota, Apache, Comanche, Cheyenne, Cherokee, Seminoles, Creeks. Hurons, but those tribes are mainly known for only 10 or 20 years of warfare with strong tribes and they fell before the American Army eventually. But, the Iroquois managed to maintain their hold on their lands and played a major role in the shaping of North America. 


Are the Iroquois the greatest North American tribe? Please post your thoughts.