Which statement best describes the removal of the Cherokee people from Georgia in the 1830s? 1. A small group of Cherokees agreed to sell their territory, but most were forcibly removed by the government.

2. A small group of Cherokees was forcibly removed by the government, but most agreed to sell their territory.

3. A small group of Cherokees stayed to fight, but most willingly moved to new lands in the west.

4. A small group of Cherokees wanted to stay, but most were

excited at the better opportunities in the West.

1. A small group of Cherokees agreed to sell their territory, but most were forcibly removed by the government.

Explanation:

The Cherokee removal, also more famously known as the "Trail of Tears" was the historical event in American history when the Cherokee Indians were forcibly removed from their lands by the government. This removal was a result of the growing cotton business and also the attempt by the government to seize Indian lands and make them the property of the federal government.

This removal became one of the most famous removal processes in American history. The removal was initially objected to by everyone in the Cherokee nation. But under the influence of Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot, a treaty was signed that allowed the possession of lands by the federal government. This party, also known as "the Ridge Party" consisted of a group of Indians who had accepted the 'compensation' amount paid by the government in exchange for their lands and property. Meanwhile, the rest of the Cherokee Indians under their chief John Ross continued to object but were eventually driven out by force to move to the west.

Thus, the correct answer is the first option.