jan 1, 1858 - Buchanan sent an army to Utah. Mormon War

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event: Tensions between Mormons and federal authorities simmered in the early 1850s. Pressured by Protestant leaders to end polygamy and angered by Mormons’ threat to nullify federal laws, Buchanan dispatched a small army to Utah in 1858. He wanted to deflect from the slavery question. Buchanan backed down after thinking that abolishing polygamy might set a precedent for ending slavery. Utah acknowledged federal authority. Buchanan pardoned Utah.

after: attention back on slavery

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