The John Scopes Trial

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from the norm by teaching a new and controversial theory of evolution, it was no surprise that there was considerable backlash from religious groups.
The supporters of literal interpretation of the Bible were alarmed at Darwin’s theories because it showed humans in an unfavorable light. Suggesting that all life forms evolved from more primitive beings appeared to lower the significance of man in the greater scheme of things. This was considered an attack not only on the power of God but on the credibility of Biblical teachings as well. The residents of Dayton, Tennessee, like most southerners of the era, were God-fearing and ardent supporters of literal interpretation of the Bible. Consequently, when John Scopes tried to teach Darwin’s theory, he was immediately arrested and charged with violating the Butler Act, a law enacted earlier in the year.
The Butler Act, passed in March, 1925, declared it illegal for a teacher in a public school to teach “any theory that denies the ...

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21 and was considered to be the first modern-style media event ever staged in the United States (Smout59). During the eight days of proceedings, the courtroom was packed before thousands of spectators and hundreds of reporters. People came from across the country to the little town of Dayton to witness the trial that had captured the attention of the nation. The media made a show of the trial, much like the trial of O.J. Simpson much later. Scopes received much unwanted national press. One incident involved him exiting the courtroom with a female student of his, who kissed him as he walked her out. The moment was captured forever as floodlights and cameras went off. The extensive ...

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