9.8 The Mormon Polygamous Wife

From the 21st century it is hard to grasp just how big an issue polygamy was in 19th century America. From this distance, slavery was the big moral issue. But at the time, slavery and polygamy were linked. The very first Republican party platform, written in 1856, declared their prime objective: “it is both the right and the imperative duty of Congress to prohibit in the Territories those twin relics of barbarism—polygamy and slavery.”  This episode explores how Mormons began polygamy, how it evolved, why so many women defended it, and how it (mostly) came to an end, with stories and quotes from women who lived it. I had so much material for this one, it was longer than my self-imposed length limit, so this is the cut version. But if you are interested, the uncut version is available on my Patreon page. Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures. Support the show on my Patreon page for bonus episodes, polls, and a general feeling of self-satisfaction. Join Into History for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content. Follow me on Twitter as @her_half. Or on Facebook or Instagram as Her Half of History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices