Joseph Smith and his followers suffer many instances of violent conflict and legal difficulties during the Missouri period.

The Mormons and non-Mormons in Missouri are, in general, fundamentally very different people.

Local leaders and residents see the Latter Day Saint community as a threat to their property and their political control due to the Mormon practice of voting 'en bloc'.

The tension is further fueled by the Mormon belief that Jackson County, Missouri, and the surrounding lands will become a "promised land" to the Mormons as they purchase property and build settlements.