• DOI:10.1080/14623520120097215
• Corpus ID: 71358963

The Iroquois practice of genocidal warfare (1534‐1787)

@article{Blick2001TheIP,
  title={The Iroquois practice of genocidal warfare (1534‐1787)},
  author={Jeffrey P. Blick},
  journal={Journal of Genocide Research},
  year={2001},
  volume={3},
  pages={405 - 429}
}

• Jeffrey P. Blick
• Published 1 November 2001
• History
• Journal of Genocide Research

Numerous authors have described the Iroquois wars and the role of the fur trade in intensifying intertribal warfare in the Northeast (Blick, 1988; Fenton, 1978, 1985; Goldstein, 1969; Heidenreich, 1971; Hunt, 1960; Nash, 1982; Richter, 1983, 1984; Trigger, 1962, 1976, 1978, 1985; etc). Others have questioned the role of warfare in the destabilization of indigenous cultures of the Northeast, including Trigger (1985) and Schlesier (1976) who emphasize the role of disease, notably smallpox. The goal of this article is to sort through the relevant passages of the JR (Jesuit Relations) and other sources to clarify whether the Iroquois actually practiced genocidal warfare, and if so, to establish the nature of its practice. A discussion of the multifold causes and effects of intertribal warfare in the Iroquois case is included . The period 1534–1787 was chosen, 1534 marking the conventional beginning of European trade in the area under consideration, 1787 marking the end of the League of the Iroquois as a signiŽ cant socio-politica l force in the region.