1. Utah is both a product of the times in which it emerged but also a unique entity that worked to shape its own future. Robbins and Malone both describe how the west, and by a large extent Utah is a part of the great narrative of the American West and sometimes differing from it entirely. By exploring the different facets and predominant activities of 1850's and beyond we can find clues as to the origins and ultimate fate of the region . By exploring Western American capitalism, various functions of manifest destiny, and how settlers adhered to the frontier pioneer spirit we can learn the overall narrative in which the region participates.
Capitalism in the West: Mormons may have been among the first to settle in Utah; however
The religious directive was beneficial to the early development of Salt Lake Valley; however it did run contrary to the founding ideals of the country. The American principle of separation of church and state was not accepted nor practiced in Mormon communities. The pooling of resources for the betterment of the community also went against the spirit of capitalism. Eventually, a more modern preference towards the exchange of goods was undertaking and the LDS church incorporated many assets unto itself in a manner which directly benefited them financially and economically.10 The Saints, under new leadership in the late 1870s, began to develop business initiatives to compete in a changing western landscape. Creating a rail line to Salt Lake City was a lucrative investment.11 It was, however, still directed by the church, but still was a echo of the American spirit.
Pioneer Sprit Individualism was one of the most important and distinctive qualities created by the frontier: That coarseness and strength combined with acuteness and materialism; these are traits of the frontier, or traits a direct causation of the existence of the frontier.12 In this manner, early LDS settlers embodied every aspect from the quintessential frontier lifestyle. Although many of their fellow trekkers endured similar hardships, none had faced such pre-existing conditions as ongoing and endemic religious persecution. Once the Utah Settlers completed their arduous journey they did not