1. The Scopes Trial
Chapter 24, Section 2

2. Old Vs. New
In the 1920’s, cities were drawing thousands of people from small towns and other rural areas.
Some people, called “traditionalists” believed that modern society was corrupt.

3. The Problem with Darwin
Charles Darwin- British scientist who believed that all life on Earth “evolved” or changed from simpler life forms over a long period of time
Many churches condemned the theory because it went against the Bible’s theory of creation

4. What Happened?
Many states had laws banning the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution, such as Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
In 1925, a biology teacher named John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution to his classes.

5. The Trial The Prosecution:
William Jennings Bryan- powerful political figure who had run for president 3 times, crusaded against evolution and its teaching in schools. Volunteered to be the head prosecutor against Scopes. He believed that evolution “undermined traditional values”.
The Defense:
Clarence Darrow- famous lawyer who had often defended controversial clients, such as union leaders or radicals. He became head of the defense team picked by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union).

6. Civilization on Trial
The nation’s full attention was on Dayton, Tennessee. Reporters from newspapers were joined by radio broadcasters to bring every minute of the trial to the American public.
Trial was really a battle between two personalities, Darrow and Bryan. Darrow even put Bryan on the witness stand to discredit him and his beliefs.
Scopes was eventually convicted and fined. The law against teaching evolution remained but was not seriously enforced

7. So what?
Trial an example of traditional values versus the new way of thinking in America
The debate still goes on today in 2012.
Some states still ban the teaching of evolution in schools.

8. Scenes from the monkey trial

9. Sacco & Vanzetti Xenophobia – fear of strangers
New ideas, people were not welcomed.
Italian immigrants who were anarchists.
Seen as trouble makers.
Arrested for murder.

11. Facts Arrested in the neighborhood where the murder takes place.
Alibi – 9 people testify that S & V are not at the murder scene.
Police & prosecution do not present one piece of “hard” evidence.
S & V are convicted of murder; sentenced to death.
Case is appealed; verdict upheld.
S & V are executed.

12. "...Never in our full life can we do such a work for tolerance, for justice, for men's understanding of man, as we now do by an accident, our words — our lives — our pains — nothing! ...The last moment belongs to us — that agony is our triumph!" — Bartolomeo Vanzetti's court statement upon being sentenced to death

13. Red Scare fear of communists and other radicals What is communism?
part of xenophobia
U.S.S.R. – created in 1922
no religion
TOO MUCH CHANGE, TOO QUICKLY!

14. Prohibition Alcohol is illegal – prohibited Too drastic
speakeasies, bootleggers
Organized crime – “the mob”
ordinary people break the law – grandma
slippery slope
loss of morals and ethics

15. DISARMAMENT
KELLOGG – BRIAND PACT
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE