ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mormonism in the 19th century

Mormonism is a religion that began in America during the 19th century. It was started by a man named Joseph Smith, who said he had a vision from God when he was 14 years old. He said that God told him that all churches were wrong and that he should start a new one.

So, Joseph then wrote a book called The Book of Mormon, which he said was a sacred text given to him by an angel named Moroni. The Book of Mormon tells a story about ancient people who lived in America, and how God helped them.

Many people were interested in this new religion and joined the church. They were called Mormons because they believed in the Book of Mormon.

Mormons faced a lot of persecution and discrimination during the 19th century, especially in the Midwest and western United States, where they were trying to build their own communities. Some people didn't like the Mormons because they were different, and they believed in things that were not part of mainstream Christianity.

Despite the challenges, the Mormons continued to grow and build their communities. They established the church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and built many other settlements throughout the region. They became known for their strong work ethic, thriftiness, and commitment to their religion.

Overall, the 19th century was a time of great growth and struggle for the Mormons. They faced many challenges, but also found success and endured. Today, the church has millions of members worldwide and is one of the largest and most influential religions in America.