The Great Law of Peace is a foundational document of the Iroquois Confederacy, a group of five Native American tribes in what is now upstate New York. Its principles have served as a model for many democratic systems, from the United States Constitution to the United Nations Charter. Despite its historical significance, much of the Great Law remains shrouded in mystery. Read on to learn more about the Great Law of Peace and its profound influence on world history.
The Great Law of Peace is believed to have been formulated in the late 15th century by the Iroquois chief known as the Peacemaker. He was sent by the spirit world with a mandate to unite the five Iroquois nations—the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca—in a single confederacy. The Great Law of Peace outlined the structure of the Iroquois government, including the roles of its chiefs and councils and the rules for conflict resolution.
The Great Law of Peace was a major influence on the creation of the United States Constitution. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin and a group of other colonial leaders traveled to the Iroquois homeland to observe their political system. They were so impressed by the Great Law of Peace that they incorporated many of its principles into the US Constitution.
The Great Law of Peace has also been used as a model for the United Nations Charter. In 1945, representatives of the Iroquois nation were invited to the United Nations Charter Conference in San Francisco, where they shared their knowledge of the Great Law of Peace and its principles of peace, justice, and unity.
The Great Law of Peace has had a lasting impact on world history. Its principles of unity, peace, and justice have been used as a model for many democratic systems and are still relevant today. To learn more about the Great Law of Peace and its profound influence on world history, read this article to the end.
What is the Great Law? Learn the Meaning and History
Overview of the Great Law
The Great Law is a set of laws and customs that were used by the Iroquois Confederacy, or the Haudenosaunee, to govern their society. The Great Law was first implemented around 1450 C.E, prior to the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Great Law was used to regulate and manage the affairs of the Iroquois tribes and their communities. The Great Law was divided into three parts: the Kaianerekowa, the Gayanerekowa, and the Tekanawita.
Kaianerekowa – The Great Law of Peace
The Kaianerekowa, or the Great Law of Peace, was the first part of the Great Law. This was the original set of laws and customs that was used by the Iroquois Confederacy to govern its society. These laws were based on the concept of peace and harmonious relations between the members of the confederacy. These laws were also used to regulate the behavior of individuals and the relationships between the members of the confederacy.
Gayanerekowa – The Constitution
The Gayanerekowa, or the Constitution, was the second part of the Great Law. This was a set of laws and rules that established the structure of the Iroquois Confederacy. These laws outlined the roles of the chiefs and the methods for selecting them, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the chiefs and the members of the confederacy. This part of the Great Law also established procedures for resolving disputes between members of the confederacy.
Tekanawita – The Great Binding Law
The Tekanawita, or the Great Binding Law, was the third part of the Great Law. This was a set of laws and customs that governed the relationship between the Iroquois Confederacy and other nations. This part of the Great Law was designed to ensure that the Iroquois Confederacy could maintain peaceful relations with their enemies. The Tekanawita also established procedures for resolving conflicts between the Iroquois Confederacy and other nations.
Comparison Table
| Part of the Great Law | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kaianerekowa | The Great Law of Peace |
| Gayanerekowa | The Constitution |
| Tekanawita | The Great Binding Law |
History of the Great Law
The Great Law was originally developed by the Iroquois Confederacy in the 15th century. This set of laws and customs was designed to ensure peace and order within the confederacy. The Great Law was adopted by the Iroquois tribes in the 16th and 17th centuries, and it was used to govern their society until the late 19th century. The Great Law was used to regulate the behavior of individuals, resolve disputes between members of the confederacy, and maintain peaceful relations with other nations.
Present Condition
The Great Law is still used by the Iroquois Confederacy today. Although many aspects of the Great Law have been modified or changed over the years, the core principles remain the same. The Great Law is still used to regulate the behavior of individuals and resolve disputes between members of the confederacy. The Great Law is also used to maintain peaceful relations with other nations and to promote the interests of the Iroquois Confederacy.
Conclusion
The Great Law is an important part of Iroquois history and culture. This set of laws and customs was used to govern the Iroquois Confederacy for centuries, and it is still used today to regulate the behavior of individuals and maintain peace and order within the confederacy. The Great Law is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Iroquois people, and it is an important part of their heritage.
Source: CHANNET YOUTUBE Vision Maker Media
The Great Law is a set of principles and opinions which guide the Iroquois Confederacy. It is often considered to be one of the oldest constitutions in the world. The Great Law outlines the principles of justice, fairness, respect, and peace that guide the Iroquois people in their day-to-day lives. It is a beautiful example of how a people can live together peacefully and respectfully in a diverse society.
We hope you have gained a better understanding of the Great Law and its importance to the Iroquois people. As you continue to explore and learn about the Great Law, we urge you to keep in mind its profound message of justice, peace, and respect for all people.