The Scopes Monkey Trial was the trial which brought the issue of whether or not it was appropriate to teach evolution in public schools to the forefront of the national consciousness. On one side of the argument stood those believing in the literal interpretation of the bible and on the other side were those who believed in the importance of teaching students modern science.
The groundwork for the showdown began with the passing of Tennessee’s Butler Act which made it illegal to teach evolution in public schools. John Scopes, a substitute teacher, allowed himself to be accused of violating this act in order to bring the issue to the courts. William Jennings Bryan, the three-time Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson, agreed to represent the state of Tennessee and, by extension, the literal interpretation of the bible. Over the course of the trial Bryan was called to the stand and forced to defend his own personal beliefs on whether or not the bible was indeed factual.
Scopes's lawyer declined to make his closing speech which, under rules of the court, prevented Bryan from presenting his closing speech. Bryan distributed his closing statement to reporters but never presented it in court. His speech appealed to the jury to allow God’s word to be the driving force to change civilization for the better. Scopes was found guilty but after the appeal process the verdict was set aside on a technicality.
Bryan died in his sleep a mere five days after the conclusion of the initial trial, ending his long and storied career in the public spotlight.
