Scopes Trial
As the twentieth century began, the absorption and interpretation of evolutionary concepts within the American intellectual community had been largely completed. Theologians, philosophers, and scientists had examined the new biology theory and its many implications, coming to terms with evolution in a variety of ways. The larger segment of the American public became involved in debates and discussions, which led to the transformation of the evolutionary theory. Religious and political figures led the recognizable movement in an attempt to spread the anti-evolution gospel across the nation. This crusade represented an important aspect of the extensive movement known as Protestant fundamentalism. The fundamentalists protest against the teaching of evolution drew strength and support from questioning by many Americans of contemporary social values and by an increasing anxiety over the rapid social changes that often accompanied new developments in science and technology. During the early 1900s an anti-evolution movement swept through the United States. Helping ease the commotion was the fact that very few Americans attended high school during the nineteenth century. Almost none attended schools in the southern states. Acco
Edward Larson examines the many views the Scopes trial and shows how its enduring legacy has crossed religious, cultural, educational, and political lines. The Scopes trial helped shape the development of both popular religion and constitutional law in America. National Academy of Sciences. Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science.Washington D.C. 1998. A gentleman by the name of John Washington Butler was talking to a preacher at his local church. The preacher mentioned a young woman from the community who had gone away to a university. She returned believing in the theory of evolution and the existence of God. This startled Butler because he had three sons and two daughters at home. Forming an appropriate defense team was of great concern to the ACLU. The ACLU's primary goal was to avoid unnecessary controversy by employing respected conservative attorneys John W. Davis and Charles Evan Hughes despite offers from Americas top defense attorney, Clarence Darrow and Dudley Field Malone. This plan would fail since John Scopes and his attorney, John R. Neal of Knoxville, informally accepted Darrow and Malone's offer without consulting ACLU officials. The ACLU tried persuading Darrow and Malone that they didn't belong. ACLU counsel Wollcott H. Pitkin wrote, "In my belief, a great mistake had been made at the start in accepting the services of Mr. Darrow, thereby allowing fundamentalists to present the issue as a clash between religion and anti-religion" (Summer 102). On the other hand, Chief counsel, of the ACLU, Hays wrote, "There began my association with Clarence Darrow. Nothing in life do I treasure more than that, nothing has been more inspiring or humanly helpful than his company, his example, his friendship" (Summer 69). rding to a census, "Number of pupils enrolled in American high schools lept from about 200,000 in 1890, ... to nearly two million in 1920" (Summer 24). The anti-evolution crusade lacked a specific political or legal objective until Kentucky's Baptist State Board of Missions passed a resolution calling for a state law against teaching evolution in public schools in 1921. The law fell victim to defeat in the Lower House and no further action was taken. Kentucky 1994.Focuses on the public campaigns of the anti-evolution movement. Also shows Americans lack of knowledge of the meaning of evolution during the 1920's. Makes a strong attempt to help us understand modern science.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Butler Bill, Judge Raulston, Jennings Bryan, Austin Peay, Dayton Methodists, Monkeyville Express, , Furthermore Human, Darrow America's, Thomas Scopes, butler bill, scopes trial, teaching evolution, public schools, john thomas, judge raulston, thomas scopes, john thomas scopes, william jennings, william jennings bryan, jennings bryan, theory evolution, evolution public schools, teaching evolution public, governor austin peay,
Approximate Word count = 4472
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
