The Mormons: Great Salt Lake (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes

The Mormons: Great Salt Lake

The great migration west

Between 1847-1848, the Mormons undertook one of the most remarkable migrations in American history when they settled in the Salt Lake Valley. This area was particularly significant because it was then part of Mexico, making it an ideal refuge for the Mormon community seeking to escape persecution in the United States.

The Mormon settlement at Great Salt Lake represents a fascinating example of how religious communities could establish successful societies on the frontier. Under strong leadership, they transformed a harsh desert environment into a thriving settlement that would eventually become Salt Lake City.

Brigham Young's crucial leadership

Brigham Young emerged as the second leader of the Mormon Church in 1835 and became absolutely essential to the success of the Great Salt Lake settlement. After Joseph Smith was murdered in 1844, Young took control of the community and made the bold decision to lead them westward to escape ongoing persecution.

Young's leadership proved invaluable because he possessed exceptional organisational skills and the ability to inspire his followers during incredibly difficult circumstances. When the Mormons were forced out of Illinois in 1845, Young had already begun planning their exodus to a place where they could practice their religion freely. His vision of establishing a Mormon homeland in the remote Salt Lake Valley demonstrated remarkable foresight and determination.

Overcoming the challenges of westward migration

The journey to the Salt Lake Valley presented numerous obstacles that required careful planning and community cooperation. Young recognised that moving thousands of people across difficult terrain demanded systematic organisation, so he established a detailed plan for the migration.

One of the biggest challenges was the sheer logistics of moving such large numbers - Young organised a count of all people and waggons, discovering they needed to transport about 3,000 families in 2,500 waggons. This massive undertaking required careful coordination to ensure everyone could make the journey safely.

The migrants were divided into smaller, manageable groups, each with designated leaders who could maintain order and provide guidance. Young also implemented strict discipline throughout the journey, giving everyone specific responsibilities and ensuring they understood exactly what was expected of them. To prepare thoroughly for the challenges ahead, Young arranged for guides, including some Plains Indians, to provide crucial knowledge about the route and destinations.

Establishing life in the Salt Lake Valley

Once the Mormons arrived in their new homeland, they faced the harsh reality of building a community in an extremely challenging environment. The Salt Lake Valley was very dry and barren, with land that was difficult to cultivate and little existing infrastructure to support a large population.

Housing presented an immediate crisis since traditional wooden structures couldn't be built due to the lack of trees. The Mormon settlers had to be creative, using available materials like dried mud bricks to construct their homes and community buildings.

The water situation was particularly critical in this desert environment. Young's followers quickly organised sophisticated irrigation systems to channel water from mountain streams and melting snow to supply both their crops and daily needs. This engineering achievement was crucial to their survival and prosperity.

Young's leadership style proved essential during these difficult early years. His followers believed he was divinely inspired, which meant they willingly followed his directions and worked together for the common good of the community. Young declared that the Church controlled all the land, and everyone was expected to contribute their skills and labour to community projects rather than pursuing individual gain.

Building a successful Mormon society

The Mormons developed an impressive system of community organisation that helped them thrive in their new environment. Each settlement was carefully planned, with residents producing different goods and services under the guidance of Church leaders who possessed the authority to direct economic activities.

Young made a strategic decision to declare the settlement part of a separate state called Deseret, attempting to maintain Mormon independence from American government control. However, this approach eventually created tensions when the area officially became part of the United States territory.

The relationship with the American government became increasingly complicated. To avoid direct confrontation, Young eventually agreed to compromise with federal authorities, and the area became part of the Utah Territory in 1850. This political evolution demonstrates how the Mormon settlement had to adapt to changing circumstances while trying to preserve their religious community.

Timeline of key events

• 1835: Brigham Young becomes leader of the Mormon Church
• 1844: Joseph Smith murdered, increasing persecution of Mormons
• 1845: Mormons forced to leave Illinois
• 1847-1848: Mormon migration to and settlement of Salt Lake Valley
• 1850: Salt Lake area becomes part of Utah Territory