The Decline of the Iroquois Indian Nations Began During the American Revolution GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

The decline of the Iroquois Indian nations began during the American Revolution of 1776, when disagreement among them as to whether they should become involved in the war began to divide the Iroquois. Because of the success of the revolutionaries and the encroachment upon Iroquois lands that followed, many Iroquois resettled in Canada, while those who remained behind lost the respect they had enjoyed among other Indian nations. The introduction of distilled spirits resulted in widespread alcoholism, leading in turn to the rapid decline of both the culture and population. The influence of the Quakers impeded, yet in another sense contributed, to this decline. By establishing schools for the Iroquois and by introducing them to modern technology for agriculture and husbandry, the Quakers instilled in the Iroquois some hope for the future yet undermined the Iroquois’ sense of national identity. Ironically, it was Handsome Lake who can be credited with reviving the Iroquois culture. Lake, the alcoholic half-brother of Seneca Cornplanter, perhaps the most outspoken proponent among the Iroquois for assimilation of white customs and institutions, was a former member of the Great Council of Iroquois nations. Inspired by a neardeath vision in 1799, Lake established a new religion among the Iroquois, which tied the more useful aspects of Christianity to traditional Indian beliefs and customs.

“The decline of the Iroquois Indian nations began during the American Revolution of 1776”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. The passage mentions all the following events as contributing to the decline of the Iroquois culture EXCEPT:

(A) new educational opportunities for the Iroquois people.
(B) divisive power struggles among the leaders of the Iroquois nations.
(C) introduction of new farming technologies.
(D) territorial threats against the Iroquois nations.
(E) discord among the nations regarding their role in the American Revolution.

2. Among the following reasons, it is most likely that the author considers Handsome Lake’s leading a revival of the Iroquois culture to be “ironic” because

(A) he was a former member of the Great Council.
(B) he was not a full-blooded relative of Seneca Cornplanter.
(C) he was related by blood to an important proponent of assimilation.
(D) Seneca Cornplanter was Lake’s alcoholic half-brother.
(E) his religious beliefs conflicted with traditional Iroquois beliefs.

3. Assuming that the reasons asserted by the author for the decline of the Iroquois culture are historically representative of the decline of cultural minorities, which of the following developments would most likely contribute to the demise of a modern-day ethnic minority?

(A) A bilingual education program in which children who are members of the minority group learn to read and write in both their traditional language and the language prevalent in the present culture.
(B) A tax credit for residential property owners who lease their property to members of the minority group.
(C) Increased efforts by local government to eradicate the availability of illegal drugs.
(D) The declaration of a national holiday commemorating a past war in which the minority group played an active role.
(E) A government-sponsored program to assist minority owned businesses in using computer technology to improve efficiency.

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