Portrays a selection of social and artistic endeavors pursued by settlers in nineteenth century Utah. Examines dancing, theatre, art, architecture, and the musical heritage of brass bands and choral performances as practiced in pioneer Utah. Reveals the social function of art in a religious community that stressed group participation over individual expression.

Recounts and analyzes a series of crises which threatened the Mormon commonwealth during the 1850s. Problems began with the crop failure of 1855. The "Utah War" flared and federal troops were stationed at Camp Floyd. A massacre at Mountain Meadows was the bloody climax to a decade of hardship.

Documents the attitude Utah whites had toward the Indians inhabiting the area. Points out that, although eager to live in harmony with the native peoples, the Mormons shared prejudices common to the frontier peoples of the time and did not hesitate to encroach upon Indian lands. Examines the conflicts between the Indians and settlers in the latter half of the 1800s.

Recalls the impact of political, economic, and social events occurring in Utah after the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Presents contrasting lifestyles of Mormons and gentiles (non-Mormons) who were transported into the area in increasing numbers by the train.

Delineates the economical, social, and political values of Utah Mormons that were alien to the rest of the United States. Emphasizes the role polygamy played in delaying the granting of statehood to the territory of Utah.

Describes the series of events that brought successive waves of Italian, Greek, and Slavic immigrants to Utah around the turn of the century. Features brief histories of these and other peoples (including Japanese, Chinese, Jews and Blacks) in the state of Utah. Illustrates how each of these ethnic groups, along with their various cultures and lifestyles, have been largely assimilated and have given Utah more of an American cast than it otherwise might have had.

Traces the historical development of organized labor in Utah. Recounts the formation of radical unions that flourished after the arrival of ethnic immigrants and declined during the twenties soon after Joe Hill was executed in the state. Analyzes union relations with the Mormon church and explains why unionism in Utah has relied for the most part on non-Mormon support.

Presents Utah's response to the muckraking and reform sentiments of the Progressive Era. Concludes that scholarly assessments of Utah's involvement in the movement differ, yet conservation, railroad regulation, and improved labor conditions were among prominent Utah concerns during the period.

Documents Utah's involvement in World Wars I and II. Investigates how the Great Depression and New Deal policies affected the state. Sets stage for Utah's emergence into the modern era.

Presents a broad review of many forms of cultural expression practiced in Utah. Seeks for meaning in and understanding of these performing/visual/folk arts, spectator sports, recreational activities, and architectural forms. Suggests some cultural arts that are distinctive to the state. Encourages continued support of cultural and artistic expression.

Briefly reviews man's historical development in the area located within the present borders of the state of Utah. Investigates contemporary social issues shaping the destiny of the state including: population growth, industrial and economic development, recreational enhancement, and political activism.

The history of Indian reservations in Utah is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Early Utah power structure is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Political reform in 19--? is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Population growth 1910-1920 is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Senate hearings questioning Reed Smoot is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Biship Tuttle, Daniel S. is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Corinne Methodist Episcopal Church is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Mormons to non-Mormons population is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.

The history of Scanlan, Lawrence is summarized in this media item extracted from the 20-part video series A PEOPLES' HISTORY OF UTAH, written and hosted by Dean L. May, PhD (University of Utah). The series provides a sweeping view of Utah's past, from its earliest known desert beginning--from its prehistory, to the pioneer era, to the transformation from territory to state, to its critical role in the world war years and beyond.