The Role of Polygamy in Early Mormon Doctrine and the Succession Crisis

How the practice of plural marriage shaped the early Latter-day Saint movement and factored into the leadership void after Joseph Smith's death.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 13, 2026

Branched from The Succession Crisis of 1844 and the Rise of Competing Latter-day Saint Factions

Quick take

Polygamy, or "plural marriage," was a controversial doctrine introduced by Joseph Smith in early Mormonism.
It was practiced secretly, seen as a divine commandment for exaltation and a means of building God's kingdom.
After Smith's death in 1844, disagreements over plural marriage significantly complicated the leadership succession.
Different stances on polygamy became a key differentiator for the various Latter-day Saint factions that emerged.

Polygamy, specifically referred to as "plural marriage" by its adherents, was a divinely revealed principle introduced by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. It became a central, albeit controversial, doctrine and practice among early Mormons, deeply intertwining with Smith's authority, the church's social structure, and ultimately contributing to the complex succession crisis following his assassination in 1844.

The Doctrine of Plural Marriage

Joseph Smith introduced plural marriage privately to a select group of followers in the early 1840s, claiming it was a restoration of ancient biblical practices and a commandment from God, essential for exaltation in the afterlife. This theological basis was formalized in a revelation (now Doctrine and Covenants Section 132) which outlined its purpose, including the raising of righteous posterity and the formation of eternal family units that extended beyond mortal life. It was presented as a path to higher spiritual blessings and a means to build up God's kingdom on earth.

Secrecy and Social Impact

Due to existing anti-polygamy laws and strong social opposition in 19th-century America, plural marriage was practiced secretly for years. This secrecy created significant internal tensions, particularly for those involved, and also fueled external persecution once the practice became more widely known. While it solidified group identity and commitment among its adherents, it also concentrated power and influence around those who practiced it, especially Joseph Smith and his inner circle, as the solemnization of these marriages often required Smith's direct approval or involvement.

Polygamy and the Succession Crisis

After Joseph Smith's assassination in June 1844, the issue of who should lead the church was profoundly complicated by plural marriage. Many key leaders had been introduced to the practice by Smith, and the authority to solemnize these marriages was seen by some as a key indicator of legitimate leadership. Different claimants to leadership, such as Brigham Young and Sidney Rigdon, had varying levels of involvement with and understanding of plural marriage, and their positions on its continuation or cessation influenced their support among the Latter-day Saints. The existence and content of the revelation on plural marriage itself became a point of contention, adding to the uncertainty of who held Smith's mantle and the authority to continue the practice.

Polygamy profoundly shaped early Mormonism. It was a primary cause of external persecution, contributing to the Saints' eventual migration west. Internally, it created a unique social structure and strengthened bonds within the community, but also led to significant schisms. Its role in the succession crisis was critical because it tested the loyalty and understanding of followers regarding Joseph Smith's final teachings and the nature of divine authority. The various factions that emerged after 1844 often diverged on the acceptance or rejection of plural marriage, making it a defining characteristic that separated different branches of the Latter-day Saint movement for generations.

Was polygamy practiced by all early Mormons?

No, it was never practiced by the majority of Latter-day Saints. It was encouraged among certain faithful members, particularly leaders, but remained a minority practice even within the early church.

How long did the mainstream church practice polygamy?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially ceased the practice of plural marriage in 1890 with the issuance of the Manifesto, though some isolated practices continued for a time. Today, the church strictly prohibits it.

Did Joseph Smith's immediate family support plural marriage?

Joseph Smith's first wife, Emma Smith, struggled significantly with the practice and never publicly accepted it. Many of Smith's children and Emma herself eventually joined factions that rejected plural marriage after his death.

Was polygamy the only reason for the succession crisis?

No, the succession crisis was multifaceted, involving issues of church organization, financial stewardship, and differing interpretations of Joseph Smith's spiritual and temporal authority. However, plural marriage was a highly contentious and significant factor.

Sources

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
*Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Vol. 1: The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846* (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
*Rough Stone Rolling: A Cultural Biography of Mormonism's Founder, Joseph Smith* by Richard Bushman