In the Second Seminole War, who led the effort to remove the Seminole from Florida?

• A. Osceola
• B. Tecumseh
• C. Winfield Scott
• D. Andrew Jackson

Answer: (A)

The key idea is identifying the principal Seminole leader who organized resistance to removal in Florida during the Second Seminole War. Osceola emerged as the unifying figure for the Seminole fighters, coordinating guerrilla actions across the Florida swamps and marshes to oppose U.S. Army efforts to force removal. His leadership gave the resistance cohesion and a recognizable, courageous face, making him the emblematic commander of the Seminole side for much of the conflict. Even after his capture under a flag of truce in 1837 and his death in captivity, his impact lingered, symbolizing the determined fight to stay in their homeland. The other names come from different contexts: Tecumseh was a Shawnee leader from an earlier era; Andrew Jackson led U.S. forces in Florida in prior conflicts; Winfield Scott later commanded U.S. operations but did not lead the Seminoles themselves. Therefore, Osceola is the best answer for who led the resistance during the Second Seminole War.