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150656 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.14679 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ All Rights Reserved 2012 vi, 513 p. : ill. (some col.) Doctoral Dissertation Academic theses Text eng Smith, Konden Rich Moore, Moses N Cady, Linell Fessenden, Tracy Arizona State University Partial requirement for: Ph. D., Arizona State University, 2012 Includes bibliographical references (p. 492-513) Field of study: Religious studies My dissertation project, Mormons at the World's Fair: A Study of Religious and Cultural Agency and Transformation looks at a pivotal period of transition within the American religious and political national culture (1880-1907). Using Mormonism as an important focal point of national controversy and cultural change, this dissertation looks at the interconnections between Mormon transitions and the larger national transformations then under way in what historians call the "progressive" era. Prominent scholars have recognized the 1893 World's Fair as an important moment that helped initiate the "dawning" of religious pluralism in America. This national response to American religious diversity, however, is limited to a nineteenth-century historiographical framework, which made real religious pluralism in the next century more difficult. Bringing together into one narrative the story of the anti-polygamy crusades of the 1880s, the ambivalent presence (and non presence) of Mormonism at the World's Fair of 1893, and the drawn-out US Senate Hearings and ultimate victory of Mormon apostle and Senator Reed Smoot in 1907, this dissertation offers new insights into the meaning and limitations of American religious liberty, the dynamics of minority agency, as well as a deeper understanding of America's developing national identity. American History Religious history American studies American kingdom of God Anti-polygamy Mormons Reed Smoot religious freedom World's Fair Mormon Church--Public relations--History--19th century. Mormon Church Mormon Church--Public opinion--History--19th century. Mormon Church Polygamy--United States--Public opinion--History--19th century. Polygamy Polygamy--United States--Public opinion--History--20th century. Polygamy Polygamy--Religious aspects--Mormon Church. Mormons and the World's Fair 1893: a study of religious and cultural agency and transformation