The founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, this individual established a new religious tradition in the United States during the Second Great Awakening. His teachings and the scripture he produced, the Book of Mormon, diverged significantly from mainstream Protestant denominations, leading to both fervent followers and considerable controversy. Events surrounding his life and death, particularly the westward migration of his followers, significantly impacted the American West.
Understanding this figure is important for students studying U.S. history because he and his movement played a pivotal role in the religious landscape and westward expansion during the 19th century. The history of his followers’ journey west demonstrates themes of religious persecution, resilience, and the impact of religious beliefs on settlement patterns and social structures in the American frontier. Moreover, examining his doctrines provides insights into the religious ferment of the Second Great Awakening and the rise of new denominations outside the established Protestant churches.
