Indian Allies

The Iroquois Confederacy was once the most important Indian Nation in North America and today it remains the World's oldest constitutional democracy. The Iroquois' impact on colonial America cannot be overstated. The alliances made and withheld by the Iroquois helped to mold the face of America as we know it. I elected to study the Iroquois in order to explore the importance if indigenous alliances. In particular, I chose to research the impact of alliances during three of the most important battles of the French and Indian War. The result of the battles of Monongahela, Fort Saint Fredrick, and Niagara were each pivotal in their own ways, and in each indigenous alliances played the key role. The final section of this essay, I discuss the lessons learned from the French and Indian War research and potential applications and parallels with modern warfare in Afghanistan and Iraq. Two maps of North America during the French and Indian War were added to the Appendix for reference purposes. I would like to acknowledge the guidance and support received from my graduate research advisor, Dr. Kevin C. Holzimmer. His expertise and knowledge of American Military History assisted greatly in my topic selection and construct of my research and essay. I would also like to acknowledge the aid of Dr. Donald Grinde, Department Chair and Professor of American Studies and History at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His understanding of Iroquois culture significantly increased my comprehension of the subject. Mr. Mike Tarbell, Museum Educator of the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, N.Y., also aided immeasurably in my understanding of Iroquois culture and historyand he taught me a little Iroquese along the way. Finally, I would like to thank the Air University Library staff. Their patience and aid in my research helped make this project possible.