Lesson Objectives To identify the role of Joseph Smith in founding the Mormons To identify the key beliefs of the Mormons To explain the key reasons why the Mormons were unpopular

Who were the Mormons and why did they go West? Joseph Smith founded the Mormons after a vision in 1823 He wrote the book of Mormon which was published in 1830 The official name, registered in 1831 is ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.

Mormon beliefs and practises No individual ownership of property, (people should share everything) In return for total obedience, Mormons would be God’s chosen people on earth and in Heaven As many people as possible should convert A man could have more than one wife – POLYGAMY The leaders of the Mormon Church should have political power, and therefore authority over everyone

Mormon persecution The Mormons were persecuted for their religious beliefs. This means that people did not agree with Mormon beliefs and values. People felt threatened by the Mormons and this resulted in violence. Mormons were attacked by angry people who were hostile to their beliefs. Eventually the Mormons were driven out of many places because of the persecution. People made their life so difficult that they could not carry on living where they were.

Why did the West appeal to the Mormons?