key term - Deseret (Utah) for Mormons

Definition

Deseret was a proposed state in the mid-19th century that was primarily settled by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. The term symbolizes the Mormons' aspirations for self-governance and religious freedom in a region they considered to be their promised land during the era of Manifest Destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deseret was founded after Mormons fled westward to escape religious persecution in the East, establishing Salt Lake City as its central settlement.
2. In 1849, Mormons drafted a state constitution for Deseret, which included provisions for governance, land distribution, and civil rights.
3. Although Deseret was never officially recognized as a state, it served as a significant model for governance and community organization among early settlers in Utah.
4. The creation of Deseret reflected the broader ideals of Manifest Destiny, as Mormons sought to build a society that aligned with their religious beliefs and values in a vast, unclaimed territory.
5. Deseret's boundaries stretched across parts of modern-day Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, illustrating the ambitious vision Mormons had for their settlement.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of Deseret reflect the Mormons' pursuit of religious freedom and self-governance during the period of westward expansion?
  • The establishment of Deseret showcased the Mormons' desire for religious freedom and self-governance in response to widespread persecution they faced in the East. By migrating westward and proposing their own state, Mormons aimed to create a society that adhered to their beliefs and allowed them to practice their religion without interference. This desire was reflective of the larger context of Manifest Destiny, where various groups sought to claim and settle new lands.
• Discuss the significance of Brigham Young's leadership in the formation of Deseret and how it contributed to Mormon identity during this era.
  • Brigham Young's leadership was crucial in the formation of Deseret as he guided thousands of Mormons on their journey westward to establish a new community. His vision for Deseret emphasized not only religious values but also communal organization and economic self-sufficiency. Young's strong leadership helped solidify Mormon identity in this new territory, creating a sense of belonging and purpose among settlers as they sought to build their promised land amidst the challenges of frontier life.
• Evaluate how Deseret's proposed governance system represented both an expression of Mormon values and a challenge to federal authority during the era of Manifest Destiny.
  • Deseret's proposed governance system illustrated an expression of Mormon values through its emphasis on community cooperation, religious adherence, and self-rule. The state's constitution reflected these ideals but also posed a challenge to federal authority by asserting autonomy in a region that was considered part of U.S. territory. This tension highlighted the complexities surrounding territorial expansion during Manifest Destiny, as various groups navigated issues related to governance, identity, and cultural differences in rapidly changing landscapes.

Related terms

Mormon Migration: The large-scale movement of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Utah in the 1840s and 1850s, driven by the search for a safe haven from religious persecution.

Brigham Young:

The second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a key figure in the Mormon migration to Utah, where he led his followers to settle and establish communities.

Seward's Folly: A nickname for the purchase of Alaska in 1867, which, like the Mormon settlement in Deseret, was part of the broader context of territorial expansion during Manifest Destiny.