Mormon Persecution and Westward Migration
The Mormons, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, faced numerous challenges that led to their westward migration. These challenges stemmed from various factors, including economic, political, religious, and social issues.
Economic factors played a significant role in the persecution of Mormons. The Mormon community's prosperity, evidenced by their ownership of mills, banks, stores, and printing presses, created resentment among non-Mormon groups. This economic success, coupled with the collapse of the Mormon Bank during a wider economic depression, fueled accusations of corruption and incompetence against the Mormon leadership.
Highlight: The economic success of the Mormon community, ironically, contributed to their persecution by creating resentment among non-Mormon neighbors.
Religious differences were a primary source of conflict. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, was viewed with suspicion and accused of being a fraud. The Mormon beliefs in miracles and visions were seen as disturbing by other settlers, leading to further alienation.
Vocabulary: Polygamy - The practice of having multiple wives, which was adopted by some early Mormon leaders and followers.
Political tensions arose from the Mormons' growing influence and their perceived threat to local governance. The Nauvoo Legion, a private Mormon army, and the Danites, a religious police force, heightened fears among non-Mormons about the Mormons' potential military power.
Social practices of the Mormons, such as their friendliness towards Native American tribes and their practice of polygamy, caused significant outrage among other settlers. The Mormon community's rapid growth and their tendency to isolate themselves further exacerbated tensions with neighboring communities.
Example: The Mormons' friendly relations with Native American tribes, whom they viewed as the lost tribes of Israel, was seen as threatening by other settlers who were often in conflict with these tribes.
The persecution of Mormons led to a series of forced migrations. They were driven out of New York State, Kirtland, and Missouri due to various conflicts and accusations. These experiences culminated in the murder of Joseph Smith and the decision to migrate westward under the leadership of Brigham Young.
