Mormonism and violence

Mormons have experienced significant instances of violence throughout their history as a religious group. In the early history of the United States, violence was used as a form of control. Mormons faced persecution and forceful expulsion from several locations. They were driven from Ohio to Missouri, and from Missouri to Illinois. Eventually, they settled in the Utah Territory. These migrations were often accompanied by acts of violence, including massacres, home burnings, and pillaging.

One notable incident was the death of their prophet, Joseph Smith. In 1844, Smith was in protective custody in Carthage, Illinois, where he was killed by a mob. He attempted to defend himself using a small pistol provided by church leader Cyrus Wheelock but was ultimately shot by the mob while trying to escape through a window. His brother Hyrum Smith was also murdered.

There were also instances where Mormons themselves were involved in acts of violence. For example, under the direction of Mormon leaders, the Danites burned and looted Davies County and engaged in clashes with the Missouri state militia during the 1838 Mormon War. Additionally, there were incidents such as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Battle Creek Massacre, and Circleville Massacre, where Mormons were implicated in acts of violence against non-Mormon groups. Furthermore, Mormons participated in various conflicts, including the Walker War and the Black Hawk War, which involved clashes between Mormon settlers and Native American tribes in the western United States.

The memory of this violence has affected both the history and the doctrines of the Latter Day Saint movement.