Deseret (Federalist Failure)

The Autonomous Province of Deseret is a largely English-speaking, non-Catholic, section of the Kingdom of California. It is largely governed by the Mormons, who won autonomy after a lengthy insurrection.

The initial settlement of Deseret was primarily by Mormons fleeing persecution in their native Virginia and other eastern states. When California broke away from the Mexican Empire, Deseret likewise declared independence as the Republic of Deseret. California did not recognize their independence, and instead incorporated them in their nation. The centralist tendencies of the new Californian government chafed at the independant-minded Mormons. However, they were willing to live under the Kingdom until the passing of the Heresy Act in 184?, which defined Mormonism as a "vile heresy against our Lord and Savior", and declared it illegal. The Mormons fought a bitter insurrection against California from the time of the Act until the 1870's, when, with assistance from Virginia, the Mormons were finally able to get California to compromise. California refused to surrender control of the territory, but established an Autonomous Region wherein the Mormons would be free to practice their faith. The Mormons have sought independence repeatedly without success.