Question

what hardships did cherokee peoples suffer when they were forced to walk the trail of tears?
a. forced to endure the cruel treatment of the troops, they fled away and did not survive on their own.
b. forced to travel during the harsh heat of summer, many died of starvation and heat exhaustion.
c. forced to walk in winter without shoes or warm clothes, many died from pneumonia and smallpox.
d. forced to travel without the protection of their weapons, they were exposed to attacks from other indigenous groups.

Explanation:

The Trail of Tears was a forced relocation of Cherokee people in winter. They lacked proper shoes and warm clothing. Cold - related diseases like pneumonia and smallpox (due to harsh conditions weakening immunity) were major issues. Option A is incorrect as the main hardships were environmental and health - related rather than troops' treatment leading to running away. Option B is wrong as it was winter, not summer. Option D is incorrect as lack of weapons protection was not the main hardship compared to cold and disease.

Answer:

C. Forced to walk in winter without shoes or warm clothes, many died from pneumonia and smallpox.