American West - Mormons Flashcards
Who were the Mormons
Emigrants who believed in big families and were God fearing people. “The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints”. The faith was started by Joseph Smith who claimed to have seen a vision in 1823. The book of Mormons was published in 1830
Why did the Mormons go west
There was more people to follow their religion in the east than the west. Unpopular religious beliefs in the east made preachers counterclaim about their own teachings. The Mormons wanted to carry their religion to other parts of the country to try and take over
Where did they come from and why did they leave
New York State and generally east America. They wanted to escape persecution as people thought polygamy was scandalous.
Impact on America
Salt Lake City is built
Mormons developed trails and routes
Mormon farmers would grow crops on the land
Mormons would set up shops, banks in Kirkland and looked as though they were going to try and take over everything
Problems they faced
Fuel and food shortage
Plague and bitter cold killed 700 people - there were no blankets/rugs
Weather - they had wagons but had to carry on in all conditions
They were heavily disliked
Factors that helped them
Perpetual emigrating fund so people from other countries could go with them (this was set up by the Mormons)
Better routes organised
They had farmers to grow crops on the land
They were wealthier - more craftsmen to build and set up space for followers to settle
When were the Mormons
1830’s and 1840’s
