When Europeans came to what would become the US, there were people already living there. In fact, Native American tribes had been living on the land for thousands of years. Nonetheless, settlers often tried to expand their territory and clashed with the Native Americans who called that land home. In 1830, the US government passed the Indian Removal Act. This law allowed President Jackson to negotiate land treaties with the Cherokee, Seminole, Creek, Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. Though it was supposed to be a voluntary migration, when nations resisted, Jackson forced them to leave. The Seminole who stayed on their land were met by US military. Thousands died in years of violence known as the Seminole Wars. In 1838, the US government forced the Cherokee nation to give up their land. The Cherokees' forced migration west is known today as the Trail of Tears. Many Cherokee people died of cold, hunger and disease before they arrived.
Which of these best describes the outcome of the Indian Removal Act?
A. the voluntary migration of Native American tribes
B. the forced migration of Native American tribes
C. a seasonal migration of settlers to the West
D. a war between the Seminole and the Cherokee