The Mormon Conflict 1850-1859 - Norman F. Furniss

Description: "The Mormon Conflict 1850-1859" by Norman F. Furniss - 1960 1st Edition Review Copy. Published by Yale University Press. Illustrated with black and white artworks. 311 pages. "The Mormon Conflict 1850-1859" by Norman F. Furniss, published by Yale University Press in 1960, provides a comprehensive examination of a pivotal decade in the history of the Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and their interactions with the U.S. federal government. Overview: The book delves into the tumultuous relationship between the Mormon community, led by Brigham Young after the death of Joseph Smith, and the United States government during the 1850s. This period was marked by significant tension, culminating in what is often referred to as the Utah War or Buchanan's Blunder, when President James Buchanan sent an army to Utah to quell what was mistakenly believed to be a rebellion. Content and Structure: Preface: Furniss sets the stage by explaining the significance of the conflict, emphasizing the clash between religious autonomy and federal authority.Early Troubles: This section explores the initial conflicts in Missouri and Illinois, leading to the Mormon exodus to Utah, setting the context for the subsequent tensions.The Shadows Lengthen: Here, Furniss discusses the growing mistrust and misunderstandings between the Mormons in their new desert home and the federal government, influenced by reports and misreports from federal officials stationed in Utah.Causes of the War: This chapter analyzes the underlying issues like polygamy, theocratic governance in Utah, and the Mormons' desire for self-governance, which were at odds with federal laws and perceptions of American democratic norms.An Unheroic Anabasis: Furniss describes the military expedition sent by Buchanan, detailing its logistical challenges, the lack of direct combat, and its portrayal as an unnecessary show of force.The Mormons Organize: This part covers how the Mormons prepared for defense, including the mobilization of their militia, the Nauvoo Legion, and their strategies for non-violent resistance like the Move South.Winter Quarters: The narrative focuses on the harsh winter conditions faced by both the Mormon settlers and the U.S. troops, highlighting the suffering and endurance on both sides.End of Hostilities: Details the negotiations and the eventual peaceful resolution, with the appointment of Alfred Cumming as the new governor of Utah, replacing Brigham Young, and the issuing of a blanket pardon by Buchanan.But No Peace: Even after the war, this section explains the continued legal, social, and political struggles the Mormons faced, including ongoing federal attempts to curb Mormon practices like polygamy.Afterward: Furniss reflects on the long-term implications of this conflict for Mormon-U.S. relations, religious freedom, and federal power.Themes and Analysis: Furniss provides an unbiased look at how religious freedom, federal authority, and frontier politics collided. He explores themes of:Religious Liberty vs. Federal Law: How the Mormon practice of polygamy and their theocratic governance challenged American legal norms.Miscommunication and Propaganda: The role of misinformation and exaggerated reports in escalating the conflict.Sovereignty and Self-Determination: The Mormon quest for a state or territory where they could practice their religion freely, versus the U.S. government's insistence on conformity with federal laws.Reception: The book is noted for its meticulous research, drawing from both Mormon and government sources to present a balanced view. It has been praised for its detailed account of a lesser-known but significant episode in American history, providing insights into the complexities of federalism, religious autonomy, and the American West's settlement. Legacy: "The Mormon Conflict 1850-1859" remains an essential read for understanding not only Mormon history but also the broader narrative of American religious and political development during the 19th century. It offers a case study in how minority religious groups navigate their existence within the framework of a larger nation's laws and prejudices.

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Location: Dallas, Texas

End Time: 2024-10-29T02:46:36.000Z

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