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There is no question that the settlers’ westward expansion was accompanied by fighting, and that the heavy losers were the Native Americans. However, it was not fighting that decimated the Native American population during these times. Two things that accounted for a large number of indigenous people's deaths were the brutal American policies and__________.

a) Disease
b) Hunting accidents
c) A lack of farming knowledge
d) Bad weather

User IoaTzimas
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Final answer:

The major cause of Native American deaths during the westward expansion of settlers was disease and brutal American policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major cause of Native American death during the westward expansion of settlers was a) Disease and b) a brutal American policies.

The introduction of European diseases such as smallpox, diphtheria, and measles had a devastating impact on indigenous American tribes who had no exposure to these diseases and no ability to fight them. Additionally, the U.S. government implemented harsh policies, forced removals, and enslavement of Native Americans, which further decimated their populations. The combination of disease and American policies resulted in the significant loss of Native American lives.