David L. Bigler and Will Bagley use long-suppressed sources to show that--contrary to common perception--the Mormon rebellion was not the result of Buchanan's "blunder," nor was it a David-and-Goliath tale in which an abused religious minority heroically defied the imperial ambitions of an unjust and tyrannical government. They argue that Mormon leaders had their own far-reaching ambitions and fully intended to establish an independent nation--the Kingdom of God--in the West. --from publisher description.

To sow the wind : beginnings -- This land is my land, or yours? -- The remnant of Jacob -- A terror to all nations : The crusade for sovereignty -- The cleansing blood of sinners : the reformation -- To cut the thread : independence -- Come forth to slay the wicked : Mountain Meadows -- The want of cavalry : the U.S. Army stumbles to war -- Pitch into them : Brigham Young orders bloodshed -- Deleterious ingredients : of murder, salt, and supply -- The days of your kingdom are numbered -- Let the consequences fall : Buchanan's ultimatum -- The fall of Sebastopol -- One-eyed justice.