Indian Removal Act's Tragic Consequences

In 1830, the Indian Removal Act led to what’s known as the Trail of Tears, in which almost fifty thousand indigenous people were removed from the southeastern United States and relocated west of the Mississippi River. More than four thousand persons died from disease, hunger, and cold during the journey. 

This forced relocation was popular with Americans who were eligible to vote because it freed up land for settlers, but it led America further down the path toward the heinous sin of exploitation and oppression of…