What act authorized the removal of Native Americans east of the Mississippi River?

The Indian Removal Act was a significant piece of legislation enacted in 1830 that authorized the federal government to negotiate treaties with Native American tribes for their relocation to lands west of the Mississippi River. This act reflected the prevailing belief in the U.S. during the 19th century that white settlers had a right to occupy the land and that Native Americans should be moved to make way for American expansion, often referred to as "Manifest Destiny."

The legislation resulted in the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral homelands, leading to significant suffering and loss of life during relocations, notably illustrated by the Trail of Tears, which is often associated with the Indian Removal Act. This act was a cornerstone of U.S. policy towards Native Americans in this period, showcasing the government's intent to displace Indigenous communities for the benefit of settlers.