The practice of forcibly removing Native Americans from their traditional land started at the same time that Europeans began their colonization of America. However, by the early 19th century, the practice had become systematic and institutionalized. The practice consisted of forcing the Native populations to move to smaller, less desirable areas so that their native land could be occupied by Europeans. This cruel practice left lasting effects on the Native population.
For example, tribes often lost their means of livelihood by being subjected to a new, more limited area. This land often did not allow them to pursue traditional means of subsistence (such as fishing or hunting) in quantities that could sustain the community.
When tribes were reliant on farming, the impact was equally tragic, as the allocated land was often infertile or insufficient. These two factors meant that the tribes experienced a huge cultural loss in terms or traditional knowledge and customs.
The relocation also resulted in violence. Hostility between tribes was common, as they were pushed into smaller, closer territories. Another type of violence came from the European who tried to keep the Native people inside their reservations. Those who opposed were often attacked, and this strategy resulted in enormous massacres of Native people.
