What was the Trail of Tears — Reading Comprehension

The Trail of Tears was a series of forced marches that took place in the 1830s in the United States. During this time, the U.S. government forced thousands of Native Americans to leave their homelands in the Southeast and move to lands west of the Mississippi River. This event is important because it shows how government decisions can greatly affect people's lives and rights.

In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act. This law allowed the government to make treaties with Native American tribes to move them to new lands. But many tribes did not want to leave. The Cherokee Nation even took their case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. However, the government did not honor the decision.

In 1838, soldiers began forcing the Cherokee and other tribes, like the Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole, to march hundreds of miles to present-day Oklahoma. The journey was very hard, and many did not survive because of hunger, disease, and cold weather. A Cherokee survivor said, "Long time we travel on way to new land... Many die by the way."

The Trail of Tears is remembered today as a tragic chapter in American history. It teaches us about the importance of fairness and respecting the rights of all people.

Interesting Fact: Over 4,000 Cherokee people died during the Trail of Tears, which is why it is called "the trail where they cried."

Who signed the Indian Removal Act?

What year was the Indian Removal Act signed?

Which tribe was forced to move?

Why is it called the Trail of Tears?

What was the effect of the Indian Removal Act?

What did the Cherokee Nation do in court?

The Trail of Tears was a happy journey.

What is a treaty?