An event that happened before the declaration of independence, but lead up to it.

"the plan of removing the aboriginal people who yet remain within the settled portions of the united states . . approaches its consummation. . an extensive region . . has been assigned for their permanent residence. it has been divided into districts and allotted among them. many have already removed and others are preparing to go. . " removal of southern indians to indian territory, 1835 this passage is most closely related to a) imperialism. b) the civil war. c) westward expansion. d) the french indian war.