The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native American nations, particularly the Cherokee, from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States to designated "Indian Territory" in present-day Oklahoma during the 1830s. This tragic event was the result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, promoted by President Andrew Jackson. The journey was fraught with suffering and hardship, resulting in the death of thousands due to disease, starvation, and exposure. The Trail of Tears symbolizes the brutal displacement and suffering experienced by Native Americans, highlighting the broader narrative of injustice and loss of native sovereignty.