Summary
In 1830, a new religious group emerged in the United States: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Like the majority of Americans, Mormons were Christian, but they embraced a variety of beliefs and practices—particularly polygamy, having more than one spouse at a time—that many people opposed. Mormons faced persecution wherever they settled, finally moving to Utah in the 1840s. In 1862, Congress passed a law banning polygamy, and Mormons challenged the statute in court. Was Mormon polygamy a threat to American society, or was such a practice protected by the right to religious freedom?
This eBook examines the campaign against Mormons and polygamy and delves into the pro and con arguments that surrounded these issues. It includes a timeline, primary sources, a bibliography, and a "Learn More About" chapter with more information on the topic.