Why did Mormons encounter opposition in Illinois? Essay sample

Mormonism appeared in the early 19th century when Joseph Smith, a young boy of a religiously-diverse family, had a series of visions in 1820. According to Smith, God and Jesus Christ delegated him a noble mission – to bring the true church to peoples in North America and beyond. In 1830, Smith and his associates founded the Church of Christ that still exists in different countries. As a movement, Mormonism promotes the integrity of the family, respect of authority, abiding by rules, and abstinence from many things. The movement includes not only churches but also micro-societies following the Church of Christ. The first Mormon colonies appeared in Missouri and Ohio in the 1930s. Joseph Smith was ready for expansion, however, financial difficulties and conflicts with neighbors pushed Mormons out of Kirtland, Ohio. Expulsion from Missouri followed the retreat of Mormons from Ohio. The community was accused of various crimes and some members have been assaulted. Smith and a few of his fellows have been imprisoned. In the 1840s, Mormons moved to Illinois. Joseph Smith escaped from prison and joined his followers there. They have taken the town of Nauvoo at the banks of the Mississippi River, which soon became the biggest city in the state. Mormons had a great impact on state politics, which bothered a secular society. Mormons were at odds with everyone else because of economic and political rivalry. Secular community accused Smith of polygamy and incarcerated him again. The leader of Mormons was deadly shot in an assault, and Mormons left Illinois in 1844. After Smith’s death, his followers kept on creating Mormon settlements. Today, most Mormons are concentrated in Utah and other North American territories.