11. What was the Trail of Tears?

The Trail of Tears was a harrowing journey in the 1830s during which thousands of Native Americans, primarily the Cherokee, were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. This tragic event resulted from the Indian Removal Act of 1830, driven largely by the desire of American settlers for fertile land, and it led to immense suffering, with thousands dying from disease, starvation, and exposure along the way. Today, the Trail of Tears serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of government policies on Indigenous peoples. Commemorative events and educational programs aim to raise awareness of this dark chapter in American history, sparking conversations about justice, reconciliation, and the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities. It invites us to reflect on the importance of respecting cultures and lives that exist beyond our own.