Final answer:
The Cherokee removal did indeed lead to factionalism within the Cherokee Nation and the subsequent assassination of Treaty Party leaders, confirming that the statement is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Cherokee removal led to widespread factionalism within the Cherokee Nation and the assassination of the Treaty Party leaders is After the Treaty of New Echota was signed by the Treaty Party, led by Major Ridge, John Ridge, Elias Boudinot, and Stand Watie, a deep division occurred within the Cherokee Nation. This treaty ceded all Cherokee lands east of the Mississippi River in exchange for lands in Indian Territory and other compensations. However, Principal Chief John Ross and the majority of the Cherokee people opposed this treaty, claiming it was illegitimate and fraudulent since the Treaty Party represented a minority.
The tension culminated in the forced removal known as the where thousands of Cherokee were driven from their homes, causing the deaths of an estimated 2,000-6,000 people during the journey. Following the relocation to what is now known as Oklahoma, the leadership conflict reached its tragic peak with assassinations of leading members of the Treaty Party, including Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot, on the night of John Ross's election as the principal chief in Tahlequah.