The "Trail of Tears" refers to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee, from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River during the 1830s. This tragic journey, which took place primarily between 1838 and 1839, resulted in the suffering and death of thousands due to harsh conditions, disease, and starvation. The event epitomizes the impact of U.S. policies on indigenous peoples and remains a poignant symbol of the injustices faced by Native Americans throughout American history.