What was a major consequence of the Trail of Tears in 1838?

The Trail of Tears in 1838 is a significant event in American history, as it represents the forced removal of thousands of Cherokee people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. As a result of this brutal journey, approximately 4,000 Cherokee natives died due to exposure, disease, and starvation. This tragic loss of life highlights the severe consequences of U.S. policies towards Native Americans during this period.

The forced relocation was a direct outcome of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which aimed to displace Native American tribes from their lands. While the other potential consequences listed in the options may relate to broader discussions about Native American rights and policies, the death toll during the Trail of Tears is a stark and tragic fact that underscores the human cost of this event. Thus, recognizing the loss of life as a major consequence serves to remind us of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.