how did the scopes trial show cultural clash in the 1920s?

Answer 1

The Scopes Trial, also known as the "Monkey Trial," took place in 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee. The trial revolved around the teaching of evolution in public schools, which was opposed by religious fundamentalists who believed in the literal interpretation of the Bible.

The trial brought to light the cultural clash between traditional religious beliefs and modern scientific ideas. The prosecution argued that teaching evolution went against the biblical account of creation, while the defense argued for academic freedom and the importance of teaching scientific theories.

The trial became a national sensation, with coverage in newspapers and radio broadcasts, highlighting the divide between urban, educated Americans who supported science and rural, conservative Americans who held onto traditional beliefs.

Ultimately, the trial ended with John T. Scopes being found guilty of violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. However, the trial helped to expose the growing tension between traditionalism and modernity in American society during the 1920s.