The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of several Native American tribes, primarily the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. This event occurred during the 1830s, following the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830, which aimed to open up land for white settlers. The journey was marked by extreme hardship, including disease, starvation, and exposure to harsh weather. It is estimated that thousands of Native Americans died during the trek, making the Trail of Tears a tragic chapter in American history that highlights the impact of U.S. government policies on indigenous peoples.