The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' history in the 19th century is marked by the establishment of a theocratic government in the Utah Territory, led by Brigham Young, which clashed with the laws of the United States. The practice of polygamy, announced publicly in 1852, further strained relations between the Saints and the federal government. As tensions escalated, President Buchanan appointed new officials to the territory, leading to conflicts and ultimately, the murder of Parley Pratt, a Mormon apostle, by his estranged husband.
[... more]