26 - The World's Fair, Statehood, and the Costs of Reconciliation

Ben Finch

I found it interesting how Hansen discusses how early Mormons were able to portray themselves as frontiers people to gain acceptance in the broader American public. I also thought the discussion of how the Motab performing patriotic songs helped with this narrative shift. I think that the political statement from the first presidency is super interesting. The idea that they weren't looking for a union of church and state is distinct from Joseph Smith's original conception of Zion. Though I don't think it necessarily contradicts Joseph, it is interesting to see the differences.