What was the relationship of the five nations of Haudenosaunee or Iroquois League before they formed a conederation?

Before forming the Confederation, the five nations of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois League—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca—were often in conflict and engaged in warfare over territory and resources. Despite these rivalries, they shared cultural ties, including language and traditions, which laid the groundwork for eventual unity. The desire for peace and mutual defense against external threats, particularly from European settlers and other tribes, ultimately led to the establishment of their confederation, promoting cooperation and collective governance.