The podcast explores the historical context and motivations behind the Mountain Meadows massacre, shedding light on the violent rhetoric used by Brigham Young and the reactions of the Latter-day Saints to the impending arrival of federal troops.
The podcast delves into the tensions between the Mormons and the US government, highlighting the persecution and violence they faced, and explains how territorial disputes and the fear of being driven from their homes influenced the conflict and strategies employed by Brigham Young.
Deep dives
The Mountain Meadows Massacre: A Dark Chapter in Mormon History
The podcast episode delves into the Mountain Meadows massacre, a horrific atrocity committed by a group of Mormons in 1857. The episode aims to provide a thorough understanding of the historical context and motivations behind the massacre. It explores the violent rhetoric used by Brigham Young and the reactions of the Latter-day Saints to the impending arrival of federal troops. The episode also touches on the false narratives and victim-blaming that emerged after the massacre, as well as the efforts to uncover the truth about the innocent victims. Through a riveting narrative style, the podcast sheds light on this crucial event in American history and encourages listeners to form their own conclusions.
The Tensions Between the Mormons and the US Government
The podcast delves into the tensions that existed between the Mormons and the US government leading up to the Mountain Meadows massacre. It highlights the persecution and violence the Mormons faced in Missouri and Illinois, which eventually led them to migrate to the Salt Lake Valley. The podcast explains how territorial disputes, accusations of theocracy, and the practice of polygamy sparked conflict between the Mormons and the federal government. It examines the fear of being driven from their homes again and the strategies employed by Brigham Young to resist federal troops and secure the safety of his people.
Debunking False Narratives and Examining Brigham Young's Rhetoric
The podcast addresses the false narratives and rumors that emerged after the Mountain Meadows massacre, perpetuated by the perpetrators seeking to justify their actions. It highlights the efforts made by historians to debunk these falsehoods and shed light on the innocence of the victims. The podcast explores Brigham Young's public rhetoric, which at times used violent language to rouse the Mormons and resist the incoming troops. It also examines Young's private statements, where he clarifies that his violent language was often used for emphasis and not meant to be taken literally. The podcast emphasizes the importance of historical research and encourages readers to engage with the book to form their own conclusions.
Upcoming Episodes: The Mormon Reformation and More
The podcast previews upcoming episodes, including discussions on the Mormon Reformation and blood atonement. It hints at the heartbreaking stories of the survivors, the perpetrators involved in the massacre, and the trial of John D. Lee. The podcast highlights the captivating and cinematic storytelling of the book and expresses the hope for a future adaptation that delves deep into the history. It also encourages listeners to engage with the book 'Vengeance is Mine' and discover the fascinating and tragic stories of this important chapter in American history.
Exciting news! I am starting a new multi-part series on The Mountain Meadows Massacre with historian, author, director of Signature Books, content editor of the award-winning "Massacre at Mountain Meadows" and co-author of "Vengeance Is Mine, The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath" Barbara Jones Brown!
This is part one where Barbara and I discuss the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event in Mormon history where a group of Mormons in 1857 killed a large group of innocent men, women, and children. With Destiny begging to Manifest in the 1850s, the US government was hot for an economic and cultural superiority expansion. Mormons had their backs! Or DID they? Here's the overview of all the forces at play that led otherwise sane people (hold your jokes) to commit heinous acts of violence on innocent people.
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