Final answer:
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was passed to forcibly relocate Native American tribes in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. It was driven by various factors, including settlers' demands for land, the idea of Manifest Destiny, and the desire to assimilate Native Americans into American society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was passed primarily for the purpose of forcibly relocating Native American tribes living in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. This act was driven by a combination of factors, including white settlers' demands for land, the belief in Manifest Destiny, and the desire to assimilate Native Americans into American society.
One of the main reasons behind the passage of the Indian Removal Act was the discovery of gold in Georgia, which led to increased pressure to remove the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands. The act was also influenced by the belief that Native Americans were obstacles to westward expansion and that their removal would secure the safety and prosperity of white settlers.
The Indian Removal Act effectively paved the way for the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans, resulting in the tragic and traumatic Trail of Tears, where many lost their lives due to harsh conditions and mistreatment.
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