Final answer:
Joseph Smith discovered the Book of Mormon after being visited by the angel Moroni in 1823, which led to the founding of the Mormon church. Smith's translation of the golden plates detailed a connection between ancient Hebrews and the Americas, culminating in the establishment of a lasting religious community despite significant opposition and persecution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement, reportedly discovered the Book of Mormon, which was written on golden plates, in 1823 after being visited by an angel named Moroni. This event led Smith to found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church.
His translation of these golden plates, said to detail the account of ancient Hebrews in America and the visit of Jesus Christ to the continent, was published in 1830.
The publication marked the beginning of a new religious movement and a turbulent journey for Smith and his followers, who eventually settled in Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young after Smith's death.
Despite many hardships, including financial collapses, persecution, and Smith's assassination at the hands of an anti-Mormon mob, the Mormon church succeeded in laying the foundations of a tight-knit religious community.
The church was marked by a strong patriarchal hierarchy, and it commanded a significant influence over the lives of its members, including a law of tithing. The Mormons migrated west, looking to establish what they considered a 'pure kingdom of Christ' in America.