What was a significant consequence of the Indian Removal Act during Andrew Jackson's presidency?

The Indian Removal Act, enacted in 1830 during Andrew Jackson's presidency, mandated the relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated territories west of the Mississippi River, primarily in present-day Oklahoma. This policy aimed to open up land for white settlers and agriculture, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of Manifest Destiny and the belief that America was destined to expand across the continent.

The relocation resulted in the forced displacement of thousands of Native Americans, leading to significant suffering, loss of life, and disruption of communities. The most infamous example of this forced march is the Trail of Tears, which refers to the harrowing journey of the Cherokees as they were compelled to move from Georgia to Oklahoma under dire conditions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the consequences of the Indian Removal Act. The Act did not increase civil rights for Native Americans; instead, it stripped them of their rights and sovereignty over their lands. It also did not strengthen tribal governance but rather undermined it, as tribes were forced to abandon their traditional territories. Additionally, the Act did not improve relationships with European nations; rather, it primarily focused on domestic policy towards Native American populations and had little bearing on foreign relations.