Great Treaty of 1722 facts for kids

The Great Treaty of 1722 was a document signed in Albany, New York by leaders of the Five Nations of Iroquois, Province of New York, Colony of Virginia, and Province of Pennsylvania.

Following the Beaver Wars of the 17th century, the Iroquois confederacy had amassed a great deal of influence in North America. The British colonies in North America were still relatively small, but growing in influence- especially following the 1664 acquisition of New Amsterdam. The Iroquois re-iterated their dominance over other Native Nations, specifically naming the Tuscaroras, Conestoga, and Shawnee. They agreed to use their influence to protect the British colonies from attacks from Native Americans. The negotiations also included a grievance reconciliation process. It was based on the February 1722 murder of Sawantaeny, a Seneca hunter, by brothers John and Edmund Cartlidge.

The principle negotiator for the British colonies was William Burnet. A principle spokesman for the Iroquois was a man referred to as "Captain Civility," a Susquehannock man who spoke multiple native languages.