100 years after evolution went on trial, the Scopes case still reverberates
Briefly

The Scopes Trial in Dayton, Tennessee, in 1925, involved substitute teacher John Scopes being charged with teaching Darwin's theory of evolution, illegal under Tennessee law at the time. This trial was arranged as a media spectacle, encapsulating deep cultural divisions that persist. Clarence Darrow, representing Scopes, was backed by the ACLU, while William Jennings Bryan prosecuted. The case gained national attention, with journalist H.L. Mencken covering the events. The trial marked a significant conflict between rising religious fundamentalism and acceptance of Darwin's theory, showcasing this tension in America's sociocultural landscape.
The small town of Dayton, Tenn., became the stage for one of the most sensational trials in American history, with John Scopes charged for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution.
The Scopes "Monkey Trial" in 1925 foreshadowed ongoing cultural divisions, showcasing a conflict between modern scientific thought and traditional religious beliefs.
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