Forgotten Kingdom -; The Mormon Theocracy in the American West 1847 - 1896

Some edge and corner wear. SIgned By David Bigler; A broad examination of early Mormon efforts to establish in Utah an independent, theocratic Kingdom of God. Their bold efforts resulted in struggles with national republican ideology, Mormon opponents within and outside of Utah, and the federal government. Covering Utah's territorial period, Forgotten Kingdom recalls attempts to achieve statehood with a constitution favorable to continued church political control. Such control was maintained via the shadow legislature of the state of Deseret, which met regularly to approve acts of the territorial legislature; the Council of Fifty; and the School of the Prophets. Theocracy became a key issue with polygamy in national opposition to Mormonism. The religious divisions in the combustible society of Utah led to crimes, violence, contest over civil rights, and complicated relations with Native Americans. Conflicts with non-Mormons brought the Utah War and the Mountain Meadows massacre; a federal troop presence in Utah; Mormon experiments with communitarian self-sufficiency; and federal legislation attacking polygamy and eventually the church itself.; 6" x 9"; 416 pages. …