How is it that the Mormons, a group of people who once considered going to war with the United States government, became so patriotic over time?

I don't think you answered the question. Your references only cover the history of Joseph Smith, and not all the church history which might provide more detailed information about their patriotism.

Mormons have always been patriotic, even over time and since the beginning.

The Utah War in 1855 was where they formed a resistance to the a government invasion of Utah Territory, known as Buchannan's Blunder. This was a huge miscommunication on the government's part, fueled by rhetoric from Brigham Young and fear from Mormons who had been persecuted before.

In 1846, before that, Brigham Young raised a regiment of Mormons for the US army during the Mexican War.

In the Civil War, in 1862, President Lincoln authorized Brigham Young to raise a company to aid the United States in the west.

In World War 1 and World War 2, thousand of Mormons fought and died to support their country. Even in Canada in World War 1 an entire troop of Mormons joined the 23rd Alberta Rifles to fight in the war from 1914 until 1918. Entire marine platoons were made up of Mormons in World War 2 and then separated because of their leadership potential. Of the church leadership, dozens of Apostles, including Presidents, served in the military and in wars.

Mormons have been patriotic from the beginning, but it was their country that persecuted them. In the beginning they wanted freedom to practice their religion, which was what the United States Constitution was designed for. But they were not allowed to this and were at the receiving end of mob attacks from the very beginning. Their towns and cities were looted and destroyed, such as Far West and Nauvoo, their leaders arrested and their people ordered to be exterminated by a state governor.

And yet, after all this, they fought for the United States in several wars over the last 2 centuries providing soldiers. Joseph Smith even ran for President in 1844.

Say what you will about their beliefs, but denying their patriotism is in error.

/r/AskHistorians Thread Parent