Approximately how many Cherokees died along the Trail of Tears? A. 40 B. 400 C. 4,000 D. 40,000 E. 400,000

History · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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C. 4,000

The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Cherokee Nation from their lands in Georgia to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in 1838 and 1839. This event was a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson. The journey was over 1,000 miles long and was undertaken on foot, by horse, wagon, or by boat. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 Cherokee people died due to disease, starvation, and the harsh conditions they faced along the route.

Extra: The Trail of Tears is a significant and tragic part of American history. It is a reflection of the broader policy of Indian removal that was pursued by the United States government in the 19th century. The forced relocation affected several tribes, but the Cherokee were among the most notable due to their high population and their efforts to resist removal through legal means. Before their relocation, the Cherokee nation was considered one of the "Five Civilized Tribes" because of their adoption of many American customs and their efforts to live alongside European settlers. The death toll among the Cherokee and other tribes during the various relocations has led to this chapter of history being remembered as a great human tragedy and a significant human rights violation. The legacy of the Trail of Tears serves as a somber reminder of the impacts of government policy on indigenous populations.