Scopes “Monkey” TrialScopes “Monkey” TrialClash over EvolutionClash over Evolution

CreationismCreationism- adheres to the literal - adheres to the literal interpretation of the Bible. 6,000 years interpretation of the Bible. 6,000 years ago God willed the world to exist. This took ago God willed the world to exist. This took one week. Humans were created out of one week. Humans were created out of nothing, made in the image of Adam and nothing, made in the image of Adam and Eve. Eve.

Evolution-Evolution- theory that 3.5 billion years theory that 3.5 billion years ago, single-celled organisms developed ago, single-celled organisms developed from the molecules in the Earth’s sea. from the molecules in the Earth’s sea. These organisms slowly evolved and These organisms slowly evolved and changed to adapt to the changing changed to adapt to the changing environment. In support of evidence: environment. In support of evidence: found fossils that date back to one million found fossils that date back to one million years. years.

The defenders of traditional The defenders of traditional religion looked to the Bible for religion looked to the Bible for

support in the struggle against this support in the struggle against this new wild atmosphere of the new wild atmosphere of the

Twenties.Twenties.

In 1925, the Tennessee Legislature In 1925, the Tennessee Legislature passed a law making it illegal for a passed a law making it illegal for a public schools “to teach any theory public schools “to teach any theory

that denies the story of Divine that denies the story of Divine Creation of man as taught in the Creation of man as taught in the

Bible.”Bible.”

Theory of EvolutionTheory of Evolution British naturalist British naturalist Charles Darwin Charles Darwin

theorized that all plants and theorized that all plants and animals, including humans, had animals, including humans, had

evolved from simpler forms of life.evolved from simpler forms of life.

Tennessee became the first state to Tennessee became the first state to ban the teaching of evolution in ban the teaching of evolution in public schools. public schools.

A young science teacher, John Scopes A young science teacher, John Scopes believed that he cannot teach believed that he cannot teach biology without teaching evolution.biology without teaching evolution.

Scopes is Scopes is arrestedarrested for teaching the for teaching the theory of evolution. theory of evolution.

The Scopes trial began on July 10, The Scopes trial began on July 10, 1925, bringing far more attention 1925, bringing far more attention than both sides had expected.than both sides had expected.

Some 200 national reporters Some 200 national reporters arrived in Dayton, Tennessee.arrived in Dayton, Tennessee.

Tourists and vendors (selling toy Tourists and vendors (selling toy monkeys) descend on Dayton’s monkeys) descend on Dayton’s “circus” atmosphere.“circus” atmosphere.

National Reporters follow the story closely. The nationis engrossed by the story.

Bryan vs. DarrowBryan vs. Darrow William Jennings Bryan William Jennings Bryan agrees to agrees to

represent the State of Tennessee represent the State of Tennessee with its prosecution of John with its prosecution of John Scopes.Scopes.

High-powered lawyer High-powered lawyer Clarence Clarence DarrowDarrow offers to defend Scopes offers to defend Scopes free of charge.free of charge.

Darrow & Bryan taking a break during the trial.

When the trial ended, it took the When the trial ended, it took the jury fewer than 10 minutes to find jury fewer than 10 minutes to find Scopes guilty.Scopes guilty.

The judge fined John Scopes only The judge fined John Scopes only $100 for breaking the Tennessee $100 for breaking the Tennessee law.law.

The Scopes trial did The Scopes trial did not end the debate not end the debate over teaching evolution over teaching evolution in public schools.in public schools.

Victory in DefeatVictory in Defeat Although, John Scopes had been Although, John Scopes had been

found guilty by the judge, it was found guilty by the judge, it was believed to be a huge victory for believed to be a huge victory for

science.science.

Scopes “Monkey” Trial Courtroom