Mormon settlers

Definition

Mormon settlers were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), who migrated to the western United States, particularly to Utah, in the mid-19th century seeking religious freedom and a promised land. This movement was a direct result of persecution faced by Mormons in the eastern states, which fueled their desire for a new beginning in the West as part of the larger context of Manifest Destiny, where Americans believed it was their divine right to expand across the continent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mormon settlers faced significant challenges during their migration to Utah, including difficult terrain, harsh weather, and limited resources.
2. In 1847, Brigham Young declared 'This is the place' upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, marking the beginning of a new settlement era for Mormons.
3. The establishment of Salt Lake City became a central hub for Mormon culture and religious practices, which attracted more settlers over time.
4. The LDS Church encouraged cooperative community living, leading to the establishment of irrigation systems and agricultural practices that transformed the arid landscape.
5. Mormon settlers played a key role in expanding American settlement into the West, contributing to the idea of Manifest Destiny by claiming and developing lands that were viewed as empty or unclaimed.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of persecution influence the migration patterns of Mormon settlers to the West?
  • The persecution faced by Mormons in the eastern United States forced them to seek safety and religious freedom elsewhere. As violence and discrimination against them escalated, leaders like Brigham Young encouraged members to move westward to find a place where they could practice their faith without fear. This desire for safety drove many Mormons to leave their homes and undertake a challenging journey toward what they hoped would be a promised land.
• In what ways did Brigham Young's leadership impact the establishment and growth of Mormon settlements in Utah?
  • Brigham Young's leadership was crucial in guiding Mormon settlers to Utah and establishing their communities. He organized migration efforts, emphasized cooperation among settlers, and promoted agriculture through irrigation projects. Young's vision for Salt Lake City as a center of culture and governance helped solidify its status as a significant hub for Mormons and encouraged further settlement in surrounding areas, reflecting their aspirations for self-sufficiency and religious autonomy.
• Evaluate how Mormon settlers contributed to the broader narrative of Manifest Destiny and westward expansion in the United States.
  • Mormon settlers significantly contributed to the narrative of Manifest Destiny by actively participating in westward expansion. Their migration not only exemplified the pursuit of religious freedom but also demonstrated how various groups sought to claim and cultivate lands that were seen as uninhabited or less developed. Through their agricultural innovations and community-building efforts in Utah, Mormons helped transform the region into an economically viable area, reinforcing the belief that expansion was both a right and responsibility for Americans during this period.

Related terms

Brigham Young:

The second president of the LDS Church who led the Mormon settlers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 after the death of Joseph Smith.

Deseret: A provisional state established by Mormon settlers in 1849, encompassing parts of present-day Utah and neighboring territories, highlighting their aspirations for self-governance.

Persecution:

The harsh treatment faced by Mormons in the eastern United States, including violence and discrimination, prompting their migration westward.