Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears is a pivotal event that occurred in the 19th century in U.S. history. It refers to the forced relocation of Native American nations from southeastern parts of the United States in accordance with the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The policy, enacted by President Andrew Jackson, led to the removal of Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole tribes from their ancestral lands. The journey that they underwent from 1831 to 1850 came to be known as "The Trail of Tears" due to its devastating effects. Thousands of Native Americans died from exposure, disease, and starvation on the way to their destinations. The incident represents one of the darkest chapters in relations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes.