What act led to the forced removal of Cherokee Indians from their homeland?

Study for the USG Legislative Requirements Exam in U.S. and Georgia History and Constitution. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare efficiently for your exam!

The Indian Removal Act is the correct answer as it was a significant piece of legislation enacted in 1830 that authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties to obtain land from Native American tribes in exchange for land west of the Mississippi River. This act directly facilitated the forced relocation of various Native American tribes, most notably the Cherokee, from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to designated "Indian Territory" in present-day Oklahoma. This process, often referred to as the "Trail of Tears," resulted in the suffering and death of thousands of Cherokee people as they were forcibly removed from their lands.

In contrast, the other acts listed do not pertain to Native American affairs or forced removal. The Homestead Act aimed to encourage westward expansion by offering land to settlers. The Morrill Act focused on land grants for colleges and agricultural education. The Twenty-First Amendment repealed Prohibition but has no connection to Indigenous policies or removal practices. Thus, the Indian Removal Act is specifically linked to the historical context of Cherokee removal.

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