Writing Exercises: America's Manifest Destiny and War with Mexico |
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www.studenthandouts.com > U.S. History > Westward Expansion > Worksheets |
1. Explain the concept of manifest destiny. 2. Illustrate the route settlers traveled to reach the West. 3. Describe the Mormon Migration. 4. Summarize the major events of the Mexican-American War. 5. Imagine that your family has been in financial difficulty since the panic of 1837. Reading a newspaper, you learn that gold has been discovered in California. Should you try your luck in the West? Discuss the pros and cons of moving to California. Click here to print (PDF). Answers will vary. |
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The Mormon Migration refers to the mass movement of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, from the eastern United States to the Great Basin region in the western United States during the mid-19th century. This migration was a significant event in both Mormon history and the history of westward expansion in the United States.
Background: The LDS Church was founded by Joseph Smith in the 1820s in upstate New York. Smith claimed to have received divine revelations and translated the Book of Mormon, which became a foundational text for the church. As the church grew, its members faced persecution and hostility from their neighbors in various locations in the eastern United States, including New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. This persecution stemmed from religious differences, economic competition, and the church's practice of polygamy. In 1844, Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, which led to leadership struggles within the church. Leadership of Brigham Young: After Joseph Smith's death, leadership of the LDS Church passed to Brigham Young, who served as the president of the church. Recognizing the need to find a safe and isolated haven for the church's members, Brigham Young led the Mormons in their westward migration. Key Phases of the Migration:
Legacy: The Mormon Migration played a crucial role in the history of the American West and the settlement of the Great Basin. Today, the legacy of the Mormon pioneers is celebrated by members of the LDS Church, and the migration is commemorated as a significant chapter in the history of American religious freedom and westward expansion. |
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