Why the Iroquois Won: An Analysis of Iroquois Military Tactics

Iroquois military success has been attributed to several factors. These include, a strategic position between the western fur supply and the eastern market, a political organization superior to those of their neighbors, access to guns and ammunition, and high morale.1 In recognizing the importance of these factors, scholars have overlooked the fact that the Iroquois achieved victory at critical times during the 17th century through the use of superior tactics. An explanation of why the Iroquois were a military success will be provided by analyzing their tactics in terms of three variables weapons, armor, and mobility which are commonly used by military analysts. The approach used in this paper is based upon Tom Wintringham's study of the evolution of European battle tactics from ancient to modern times.2 The development of European military methods is characterized by alternating periods of unarmored warfare. The shifts from one period to another were caused by changes in either the striking power of weapons, the protection of armor, or the mobility of the armies. When weapons became so powerful that they could penetrate armor, protection was