XXXXX XXXXX AP US History 20 January 2014 Influential Figure: Joseph Smith Joseph Smith was born on December 23,

1805 in Sharon, Vermont, though much of his time growing up was in New York. He was educated informally, and he spent much time in deep meditation and religious study (Joseph Smith, PBS). Corresponding with his life as a young adult was Americas Second Great Awakening, which was particularly powerful where he lived, in the burned-over district. As a result, Smith was exposed to numerous religious ideas and was torn over which religion to follow. Distressed, he went into secluded woods to find an answer (Joseph Smith, PBS). What he discovered became The Book of Mormon, the basis of a new religion, Mormonism. Religion has been with mankind from the beginning, and is one of the most powerful and meaningful aspects of a persons life. Joseph Smith founded a religion, Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which gained millions of followers over time. As with all religions, this caused controversy and debate, and some people followed it while others opposed it. For the followers, Mormonism was a new way of living and a new way of thinking. Their beliefs were summarized in their 13 Articles of Faith, written by Joseph Smith; it discusses the God they believe, the various aspects of the text they read, and the type of lifestyle they should lead (Smith). The founding of Mormonism also influenced those who didnt follow the faith by stirring resistance from other religious groups who disagreed. One of the most controversial beliefs of Mormonism was celestial marriage, or polygamy (Owens). Although

later removed, it caused many to speak out against Joseph Smith at the time. Unlike other emerging groups during the time of Smith, such as Shakers and Millerites, Mormons continue to thrive today. Besides the influence of the religion, the birth of Mormonism also led to the migration of people westward. Part of the LDS Churchs goals laid by Joseph Smith was to establish a Zion for his community (Prologue, PBS). Because he was the founder, the followers followed him wherever he went. The community started in New York, where the religion started, and moved west to Ohio, Missouri, and finally to Nauvoo, Illinois where they settled (Prologue, PBS). However, not before long, Smith was assassinated, along with his brother, by an angry mob. The Mormons hadnt found their Zion, and in response, many fled to westward once again in wagon carts. Starting in the late 1840s, waves of Mormons traveled to Utah, and settlements at Bountiful, Farmington, Ogden, Tooele, Provo, Manti, and Salt Lake City were established by 1850 (Rood). By 1900, Mormons had founded about 500 settlements in Utah and neighboring states (Rood). These pioneers built the cities based on Joseph Smiths idea of Zion and thus his ideas greatly influenced the culture of the western regions. The migration inspired by Smith spread population and culture throughout America. Joseph Smiths influence on American history was so great that his name was likely known to almost everyone at the time he lived, and certainly everyone from then to now has heard of the religion he founded. The modern state of Utah, additionally, is a testament to the work of the pioneers inspired by him.

Works Cited "Joseph Smith." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/americanprophet/joseph-smith.html>. Owens, Lance S. "Joseph Smith: America's Hermetic Prophet." Gnosis: A Journal of Western Inner Traditions Spring 1995: n. pag. Print. "Prologue." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/americanprophet/prologue.html>. Rood, Ron, and Linda Thatcher. "Mormon Settlement." Utah.gov. State of Utah, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://historytogo.utah.gov/facts/brief_history/mormonsettlement.html>. Smith, Joseph, Jr. "Articles of Faith." Mormon.org. Intellectual Reserve, Inc, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://mormon.org/beliefs/articles-of-faith>.