Question

Read the following excerpt from a letter written by a U.S. Army officer in the mid-1800s, and then answer the question that follows:

"The Indian tribes we have encountered in the West have been obstacles to the progress of our civilization. They refuse to leave lands that our people need for agriculture and settlement. The solution to this problem is clear: they must be relocated to territories beyond our expanding borders. Only by removing them from these lands can we ensure the safety of our citizens and the future of the United States."

— Excerpt from a U.S. Army officer's letter, 1846

Which of the following best reflects the impact of Western expansion on Native Americans, as described in the document?

(1 point)
Responses

Native American tribes were forced to move from their traditional lands to make way for U.S. settlers.
Native American tribes were forced to move from their traditional lands to make way for U.S. settlers.
Western expansion led to peaceful coexistence between settlers and Native American tribes.
Western expansion led to peaceful coexistence between settlers and Native American tribes.

Native Americans were welcomed into new lands and incorporated into the growing American society.
Native Americans were welcomed into new lands and incorporated into the growing American society.

Native American tribes were allowed to stay in their homelands.

Answer 1

Native American tribes were forced to move from their traditional lands to make way for U.S. settlers.

The letter explicitly argues for relocating tribes beyond expanding borders to open land for settlement and ensure citizens' safety, reflecting forced removal.