What was the main focus of the Scopes Trial in 1925?

Study for the US History Regents Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

The main focus of the Scopes Trial in 1925 was the legal conflict surrounding the teaching of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in public schools, which was challenged by the advocacy of biblical creationism. The trial, formally known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, involved a teacher who was accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of any theory that contradicted the biblical account of mankind's origin.

The significance of the trial extends beyond the courtroom as it represented a broader clash between traditional religious beliefs and modern scientific thought during a period of significant social change in the United States. The trial attracted national attention and became symbolic of the debate between fundamentalism and modernism, illustrating the tensions that existed between science and religion in American society. It ultimately became a defining moment in the discussion of educational curriculum and academic freedom.

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