Mormons

Definition

Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious group founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith in the United States. The Mormons played a significant role in westward expansion as they sought a place where they could practice their beliefs freely, ultimately settling in the Salt Lake Valley. Their migration and community-building efforts significantly impacted social and cultural development in the American West.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mormons faced intense persecution in the East, prompting their migration to the West, particularly after Smith was killed in 1844.
2. The Mormon Trail was a major route used by thousands of Mormons traveling to Utah between 1846 and 1868, establishing settlements along the way.
3. Brigham Young, who succeeded Joseph Smith, led the Mormons to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, where they founded Salt Lake City.
4. Mormons established a unique communal society that included irrigation systems for farming and a strong focus on family and community life.
5. The practice of polygamy was officially renounced by the church in 1890 under pressure from the U.S. government, although it had been a significant part of early Mormon culture.

Review Questions

• How did the experiences of Mormons in the East shape their decision to migrate westward?
  • Mormons faced severe persecution in the East due to their religious beliefs and practices, particularly after Joseph Smith's murder. This hostility fueled their desire for a safe haven where they could practice their faith freely. As a result, they embarked on a large-scale migration to the West, seeking to establish a community where they could live according to their principles without fear of oppression.
• Discuss the significance of Brigham Young's leadership in the establishment of Salt Lake City as a center for Mormon culture.
  • Brigham Young played a pivotal role in leading Mormons to the Salt Lake Valley and establishing Salt Lake City as a cultural and religious center. Under his leadership, Mormons created an organized community with a focus on agricultural development and self-sufficiency. Salt Lake City became not only a refuge for persecuted Mormons but also a symbol of their resilience and ability to thrive despite adversity.
• Evaluate how the practices and beliefs of Mormons influenced social structures and cultural development in the American West.
  • The beliefs and practices of Mormons significantly shaped social structures and cultural development in the American West by fostering strong community bonds and encouraging cooperative living. Their emphasis on family values, education, and self-reliance contributed to building thriving settlements with organized governance. Additionally, practices like polygamy challenged contemporary norms and led to legal conflicts that influenced societal attitudes toward marriage and religious freedom during that era.

Related terms

Joseph Smith:

The founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who claimed to have translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates he discovered in 1823.

Salt Lake City: The capital of Utah and the central hub for Mormons, established as a gathering place for the faithful after their migration westward.

Polygamy: A practice historically associated with Mormons, where some members married multiple wives, which led to significant controversy and legal challenges.