The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, was a powerful alliance of six Native American nations: the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Established for mutual defense and cooperation, it played a crucial role in the political and social landscape of North America. The Confederacy is often noted for its sophisticated governance system, which influenced democratic principles in the development of the United States. Additionally, the Iroquois were skilled in agriculture, trade, and diplomacy.