I read through the Third Book of Nephi and within the text was a section which discussed Jesus Christ descending from heaven in front of a group of people. Jesus calls Nephi out from the crowed and speaks to him about spreading his message and baptizing people. "And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words, because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know who I am." -488.
In the 19th and 20th century America was rapidly developing in medicine and population as well as definitively establishing itself as a powerful country. Even so America was a relatively new country that had no roots to any biblical tales or Christianity. When people heard that Jesus had come to America they would have felt a closeness to Jesus that they could not all the way from Israel. Jesus being in America it also may have stirred up so national pride. Mormonism would be appealing for the reason that it would not only create nationalism but also a closeness with Jesus.
It's an appealing idea to have someone who a group worships be in that certain place. That's why so many religions want a piece of Israel because the land has meaning it just happens to have a lot of meaning to many different groups. By saying Jesus appeared in America it gives a sense of pride to Mormons.
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