Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, started more than a religion; he led a political and a cultural movement that is still felt in contemporary American politics. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distinguishes itself as one of the fastest growing religious denominations in the United States of America. In 1844, Joseph Smith declared himself a contender for the presidential seat, a decision that perhaps received more scrutiny from his enemies than any other decision during his lifetime. Former studies of the life of Joseph Smith often contain half-truths and attempts to desecrate his character while giving little credit to the larger role he plays in the history of American politics and religion. This study provides an interdisciplinary look at his presidential campaign, and his true intentions for running. Joseph Smith possessed sincere political aspirations for the protection of all oppressed peoples. His campaign solidified his place not only in American religious history, but also in American political history.
Table of Contents
- Joseph Smith and the Presidency: Delusions of Grandeur or Genuine Ambitions?
- Persecution and Political Disagreements
- The Failed Appeal to President Van Buren
- Nauvoo: Brief Solace and Renewed Persecution
- Polygamy and the Loss of Followers
- The 1844 Presidential Campaign
- Fear of Mormon Political Power
- The Presidential Campaign and its Challenges
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to analyze the political aspirations of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and assess whether his actions stemmed from delusions of grandeur or genuine ambitions to secure religious freedom for his followers. It examines Smith's presidential candidacy in 1844 within the broader context of 19th-century American politics and religious persecution.
- Joseph Smith's political motivations and ambitions.
- The religious persecution faced by Mormons in the 19th century.
- The relationship between religion and politics in 19th-century America.
- The complexities of Joseph Smith's leadership and the challenges he faced.
- Public perception of Joseph Smith and the Mormon community.
Chapter Summaries
Joseph Smith and the Presidency: Delusions of Grandeur or Genuine Ambitions?: This introductory chapter sets the stage by establishing Joseph Smith's significant impact on American political and religious culture. It highlights the lack of serious scholarship on Smith's political aspirations and introduces the central question of whether his ambitions were driven by personal power or genuine concern for religious freedom. The chapter suggests a nuanced perspective, hinting at sincere motives behind Smith's actions.
Persecution and Political Disagreements: This chapter details the intense persecution faced by Mormons in Missouri, culminating in the "Mormon Extermination Order." It connects this persecution to broader patterns of cultural intolerance and governmental disregard for minority groups in 19th-century America, exemplified by Andrew Jackson's treatment of Native Americans. The chapter also emphasizes the political dimension of the conflict, highlighting how Mormon settlement and political influence led to violence and disenfranchisement.
The Failed Appeal to President Van Buren: This chapter recounts Joseph Smith's unsuccessful attempt to gain federal protection for his people by appealing to President Martin Van Buren. Smith's disillusionment with the federal government's response is explored, demonstrating the perceived failure of the existing political system to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and highlighting Smith's growing distrust of secular authorities.
Nauvoo: Brief Solace and Renewed Persecution: The chapter describes the Mormons' relocation to Nauvoo, Illinois, and their initial hopes for peace and religious freedom. However, the chapter emphasizes that this refuge proved short-lived, as Missouri mobs continued to threaten Smith's life and led to his arrest on charges of treason. The chapter also touches on the internal challenges faced by Smith, including apostasy among church members due to new revelations, particularly regarding polygamy.
Polygamy and the Loss of Followers: This chapter focuses on the introduction of polygamy within Mormonism and the resulting divisions within the church. It explains how the doctrine of plural marriage alienated many followers, particularly Protestant converts, and placed Smith in a difficult position as both prophet and leader, highlighting the tension between his religious authority and his political ambitions.
The 1844 Presidential Campaign: This chapter examines Joseph Smith's decision to run for president in 1844 as an independent candidate. It explains the motivations behind his decision, emphasizing his belief that the government had failed to protect the constitutional rights of his people. The chapter also highlights Smith's political platform, his criticisms of existing political parties, and his aim to advocate for religious freedom and tolerance.
Fear of Mormon Political Power: This chapter explores the reasons behind the widespread fear and opposition towards the Mormons in the 1830s and 40s. It examines accusations leveled against Smith, including those of dictatorship and megalomania, and analyzes the basis for these claims, linking them to Smith's statements and actions that seemed to suggest an ambition for extensive power and the creation of a Mormon kingdom.
The Presidential Campaign and its Challenges: This chapter analyzes Joseph Smith's presidential campaign strategy, including his use of electioneers to distribute his political platform. It details the challenges the campaign faced, from mob violence to widespread opposition based on religious differences, underscoring the profound difficulties inherent in seeking political office while leading a persecuted religious community.
Keywords
Joseph Smith, Mormonism, religious persecution, 19th-century American politics, religious freedom, polygamy, presidential campaign, political power, constitutional rights, anti-Mormon sentiment, Nauvoo, Missouri, Martin Van Buren.
Frequently Asked Questions: Joseph Smith's Presidential Campaign of 1844
What is the main focus of this text?
This text analyzes the political aspirations of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exploring whether his actions stemmed from delusions of grandeur or genuine ambitions to secure religious freedom for his followers. It examines his 1844 presidential candidacy within the context of 19th-century American politics and religious persecution.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include Joseph Smith's political motivations and ambitions, the religious persecution faced by Mormons, the relationship between religion and politics in 19th-century America, the complexities of Smith's leadership, and public perception of Joseph Smith and the Mormon community.
What chapters are included in this text, and what do they cover?
The text includes chapters on: Joseph Smith's ambitions; the persecution and political disagreements faced by Mormons; Smith's failed appeal to President Van Buren; the Mormons' time in Nauvoo; the impact of polygamy; Smith's 1844 presidential campaign; the fear of Mormon political power; and the challenges of his presidential campaign.
What were Joseph Smith's political motivations?
The text explores whether Smith's political actions were driven by a desire for personal power or a genuine concern for securing religious freedom for his followers. It suggests a nuanced perspective, acknowledging potential sincerity behind his actions while acknowledging accusations of megalomania.
What role did religious persecution play in Smith's political ambitions?
The text highlights the intense persecution Mormons faced, connecting it to broader patterns of intolerance in 19th-century America. This persecution significantly influenced Smith's political strategies and his growing distrust of the federal government's ability to protect his people's religious freedom.
What was the significance of Smith's 1844 presidential campaign?
Smith's decision to run for president is analyzed as a response to the government's failure to protect the Mormons' constitutional rights. The campaign itself, though unsuccessful, reveals Smith's political platform, criticisms of existing political parties, and his advocacy for religious freedom and tolerance.
How did polygamy affect Joseph Smith's political standing and the Mormon community?
The introduction of polygamy created divisions within the Mormon church, alienating many followers and negatively impacting public perception of Smith and the Mormon community. It further complicated Smith's already challenging position as both religious and political leader.
What were the challenges Smith faced during his presidential campaign?
Smith's campaign faced numerous obstacles, including mob violence, widespread opposition rooted in religious differences, and the inherent difficulties of seeking political office while leading a persecuted religious community. The text examines his campaign strategy and its limitations.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Key terms include Joseph Smith, Mormonism, religious persecution, 19th-century American politics, religious freedom, polygamy, presidential campaign, political power, constitutional rights, anti-Mormon sentiment, Nauvoo, Missouri, and Martin Van Buren.
- Quote paper
- Kirk Caudle (Author), 2010, Joseph Smith and the United States Presidency, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/155926
