I. Purpose
Using a specific example of a treaty gathering, students examine the direct contact of Iroquois leaders with one of the Founding Fathers. At this treaty gathering one of the documents that directly influenced the US Constitution was created. The Albany Congress serves as an example of how the gathering affected Benjamin Franklin's writing of the Albany Accords.
II. Objectives
- Students will investigate the Albany Congress and its importance in American History.
- Using primary sources, students will observe which Iroquois and Colonial leaders were present and what they had to say at the Albany Congress.
- Students will examine what Benjamin Franklin reported about the Iroquois Confederacy at this treaty gathering.
III. Essential Questions
- How was the Albany Congress related to the development of the US Constitution?
- What type and how much interaction was there between the Iroquois and the Colonials at the Albany Congress?
- What influence did Iroquois leaders have on Colonial leaders?
IV. Rationale
To make the connection between the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the Founding Fathers, it is essential to witness an instance when the two groups came together resulting in a political event that influenced the future development of the US Constitution. In 1754, Albany New York was the place this happened.
V. Student's Prior Knowledge
- Grasp of the treaty gathering culture and what occurred during these events.
- Awareness of how treaty gatherings influenced people.
VI. Materials
Students will need writing and art materials to illustrate their work.