26. Describe three hardships the Cherokee faced on the Trail of Tears. How many Cherokee died on the Trail of Tears?

he Cherokee Nation experienced several extreme hardships on the Trail of Tears, which was the forced relocation of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in 1838-1839. The following are three such hardships:

1. Disease: During the journey, the Cherokee faced outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, whooping cough, and typhus due to poor sanitation, contaminated water, and close quarters. They had limited access to medical supplies or doctors, and these diseases took a heavy toll on the population.

2. Starvation and Inadequate Supplies: The rations provided by the government agents were often insufficient, leading to widespread hunger. Inadequate clothing and supplies also meant that many suffered from exposure to the elements, as the removal occurred over the winter months, leading to more deaths from cold and starvation.

3. Harsh Travel Conditions: The Cherokee were forced to march over 1,000 miles, much of it on foot and during harsh winter conditions. The journey was made more grueling because the route taken was rugged, with treacherous terrain and difficult river crossings. Many died from exhaustion, exposure to extreme temperatures, and accidents during the arduous trip.

It's estimated that approximately 4,000 Cherokee died as a result of the Trail of Tears, out of the 15,000-16,000 who were relocated. This number represents a significant percentage of the Cherokee population at the time and was a tragic result of the forced displacement.