John T. Scopes
William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential nominee, and Christian fundamentalist volunteered to be the head of the prosecution in order to make a statement directed at the evolution activists.
A famous lawyer named Clarence Darrow found out about the Scope Trial through a journalist named H.L Mencken who suggested he defended Scopes. Darrow's main goal in the trial was to raise awareness to a more narrow interpretation of the Bible, and because of this, he decided to provide Scopes with free legal aid.
Somewhat ironically, the trial began with a prayer and then both sides began making their arguments. A unique twist to the trial was the fact that Clarence asked William to the stand with questions regarding the bible and his interpretations. This may have seemed like a mistake, but Clarence managed to corner William to admitting he didn't know much about science. While Bryan's testimony proved to help Scope's case, the judge ruled the testimony to be erased from the records. After this, the jury only took 9 minutes to announce that Scopes was found guilty. After the trial, William Jennings Bryan died in his sleep the week after and anti-evolution movements continued throughout the country.
2 comments:
its funny how people would arrest someone for teaching a fact but i guess thats what fundamentalists would do. by the way, interesting post. it is well organized and i like how you give little but important info about each person.
I agree with Khusbu! I think your individual introduction to the most significant people involved is very well done and I think that the pictures are a helpful visual aid to your descriptions. Also, I think that it is important to address that the American society was mostly religious, as well as the public school system. This helps to explain some of the motives behind the actions that were taken, even though I think that the trial was unjust.
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