Mormons

Definition

Mormons, also known as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are a religious group that emerged in the early 19th century in the United States. They are known for their unique beliefs, practices, and their significant role in the westward expansion of the country.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mormon religion was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received divine revelations and translated the Book of Mormon, which became the central scripture of the Mormon faith.
2. Mormons were persecuted and driven out of various parts of the United States in the 19th century, leading them to establish their own community in Salt Lake City, Utah, which became the center of the Mormon faith.
3. Mormons were known for their communal experiments, such as the establishment of the United Order, which aimed to create a self-sufficient and egalitarian community.
4. The Mormon migration to the West played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States, as they established settlements and infrastructure that facilitated further settlement and development of the region.
5. Mormons were once known for the practice of polygamy, although this practice is now officially prohibited by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Review Questions

• Describe the origins and key beliefs of the Mormon religion.
  • The Mormon religion was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received divine revelations and translated the Book of Mormon, which became the central scripture of the Mormon faith. Mormons believe in the restoration of the true Christian church, the existence of additional scripture beyond the Bible, and the possibility of modern-day revelation from God. These beliefs set the Mormons apart from mainstream Christianity and led to their persecution and westward migration in the 19th century.
• Explain the role of the Mormons in the westward expansion of the United States.
  • The Mormon migration to the West played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. After being driven out of various parts of the country, the Mormons established their own community in Salt Lake City, Utah, which became the center of the Mormon faith. From this base, the Mormons built settlements and infrastructure that facilitated further settlement and development of the region, contributing to the overall westward expansion of the country. The Mormons' communal experiments, such as the establishment of the United Order, also demonstrated their ability to create self-sufficient and organized communities in the West.
• Analyze the relationship between the Mormons and the broader American society in the 19th century, particularly in the context of the Antebellum Communal Experiments.
  • The Mormons' unique beliefs and practices often placed them at odds with the broader American society in the 19th century. Their communal experiments, such as the establishment of the United Order, were seen as a challenge to the prevailing individualistic and capitalistic values of the time. Additionally, the Mormon practice of polygamy was widely condemned and led to their persecution and forced migration to the West. However, the Mormons' ability to create self-sufficient and organized communities in the West, as well as their contributions to the westward expansion of the country, also demonstrated their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The tensions between the Mormons and the broader American society highlight the complex and often conflicting values and ideals that shaped the Antebellum period.

Related terms

Joseph Smith: The founder of the Mormon religion, who claimed to have received divine revelations and translated the Book of Mormon, which became the central scripture of the Mormon faith.

Salt Lake City: The capital and largest city of Utah, which was founded by the Mormons in 1847 after they were driven out of other parts of the country.

Polygamy: The practice of having multiple spouses, which was once accepted and practiced by some Mormons, although it is now officially prohibited by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.