Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), was known to have had a significant number of wives. It is believed that he had a total of 55 wives, not 56. The reasons for his polygamous marriages are multifaceted and rooted in the historical and religious context of the time:
Religious beliefs: One of the main reasons for Brigham Young's practice of polygamy was his belief in the principle of "plural marriage" or polygamy, which was taught and practiced by early leaders of the LDS Church. They believed that practicing polygamy was a commandment from God and a way to fulfill their spiritual duties.
Building a righteous community: Young, like other early Mormon leaders, viewed polygamy as a means to rapidly increase the membership of the church and build a righteous community in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Support for widows and single women: Young's practice of polygamy also included marrying widows and single women who needed support and protection in a society that, at the time, did not provide many opportunities for women to live independently.
Strengthening social bonds: Polygamy was seen as a way to create strong social and familial bonds within the Mormon community.
Political and legal pressures: It's important to note that during the 19th century, polygamy faced opposition from the United States government and wider society. Young's multiple marriages were, to some extent, a response to the political and legal climate of the time.
It is essential to consider that the practice of polygamy within the early LDS Church was controversial and not universally accepted, even among the church members. Eventually, under mounting pressure from the U.S. government, the LDS Church officially abandoned the practice of polygamy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the LDS Church condemns and prohibits the practice of polygamy among its members.