History and Political Science

In 1851, a prominent French Romantic Socialist journalist, Louis A. Bertrand,
converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism) in Paris. His conversion from French Icarianism--a form of Romantic Socialism--to Mormonism did not modify his previous religious or social beliefs. In fact, he considered Mormonism as the ideal version of a Romantic Socialist sect. This thesis looks at similarities and differences between Romantic Socialism and Mormonism throughout the mid-nineteenth century focusing specifically on Bertrand’s story. Furthermore, writings by other Romantic Socialists and Mormons on issues of community, religion, economics and revolution reaffirmed that Mormons paralleled these French socialists. Ultimately, Bertrand’s story among Romantic Socialists in France and Mormons in America, suggests that American Mormonism throughout the nineteenth century should be viewed as part of an international socio-religious movement that includes Romantic Socialism.