NEGATIVE COSTS and consequences
The Native Americans and the American settlers have their benefits, but everything comes with a price. The Trail of Tears did cause bad things to happen for both Native Americans and American settlers. There was also major conflict within the two groups.
Negative costs and consequences for the Native americans
The Native Americans have the worst end of the Trail of Tears. They are the ones who are forced out of their traditional homes and sent away on a journey of pain and death (for many). Those who had fallen ill, most of the time died, and those who had the will to move on were able to make it to the end and start new lives. Nobody's lives would be the same after losing the ones they had lost during the long journey. The Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears were terrible events for the Native American people to live through. They lost lives, supplies, homes, and family memories.
Negative costs and consequences for the American settlers
There were also some consequences for American settlers for applying the Indian Removal Act and enforcing the Trail of Tears. The American settlers wanted to expand their land in hopes for riches to come their way, but it was a lot harder than most thought it to be. When they expand their land, they have to build new settlements, make sure they create new towns and homes for people to stay in, add towns and states onto their maps and records, etc. There was a lot to do in the government. Also, there were those who wished to move westward into the new land, who had to build their houses, bring their belongings, and travel long distances to get to their new home.