Mormons

Definition

Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a religious group that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States, founded by Joseph Smith. This group played a significant role in the westward expansion of American settlers, particularly through their migration along the Oregon Trail and establishment of communities in Utah, where they sought religious freedom and a new way of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mormons faced significant persecution in the eastern United States, prompting their migration to the West for religious freedom during the 1840s and 1850s.
2. The first group of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, led by Brigham Young after Joseph Smith's assassination in 1844.
3. Mormons developed a unique community structure based on cooperative economics and shared resources, establishing farming communities across the arid landscape of Utah.
4. The LDS Church emphasized family values, education, and community service, which were instrumental in their ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
5. Mormon migration along the Oregon Trail was characterized by organized wagon trains and a strong sense of communal support as they traveled to their new homeland.

Review Questions

• How did the early experiences of Mormons influence their decision to migrate westward?
  • Mormons faced intense persecution and violence in the eastern United States due to their beliefs, which deeply influenced their decision to migrate westward. The murder of their founder, Joseph Smith, further galvanized their resolve to seek a safe haven where they could freely practice their faith. This quest for religious freedom motivated large numbers of Mormons to join the Pioneer Trek along the Oregon Trail toward Utah, where they could build a community based on their values.
• In what ways did Mormons contribute to the settlement and development of the western United States?
  • Mormons significantly contributed to the settlement and development of the western United States through agriculture, infrastructure building, and establishing cities like Salt Lake City. Their unique communal lifestyle allowed them to create thriving farming communities in challenging environments. Additionally, they implemented irrigation systems that transformed arid land into productive farmland, thus facilitating economic growth and stability in the region.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Mormon migration on both Utah's cultural landscape and American religious diversity.
  • The long-term impact of Mormon migration on Utah's cultural landscape is profound, as it established a dominant cultural and religious identity that still exists today. The emphasis on family, community, and religious devotion helped shape social norms and values in Utah. Moreover, Mormons' commitment to education and self-reliance contributed to economic development. Their migration also enriched American religious diversity by introducing new beliefs and practices that influenced other groups, fostering an environment where various faiths coexist and interact.

Related terms

Joseph Smith: The founder of the LDS Church who claimed to have received divine revelations and translated the Book of Mormon, which is a central text in Mormon belief.

Salt Lake City: The capital of Utah and the principal city for Mormons, founded as a refuge for members fleeing persecution and seeking a place to practice their faith freely.

Pioneer Trek: The journey undertaken by thousands of Mormons in the mid-1800s, traveling to the Salt Lake Valley to escape religious persecution and establish a new settlement.