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Scopes Monkey Trial Date:______Class:______ Name:___________________ Scopes Monkey Trial Date:____________________ Class:___________________ 1. What was one result of the Butler Act? 6. Clarence Darrow was a A. Biology classes were canceled in Tennessee famous defense attorney. schools What does a defense B. Teachers were forbidden to deny the Biblical attorney do? creation story A. Defends the law from criminals who have broken it C. Teachers were forbidden from teaching certain B. Defends people who have been arrested from police topics in chemistry and physics brutality D. Many biology teachers were arrested and put on C. Defends scientists against their critics trial D. Helps people accused of crimes defend themselves in court 2. In the 1920s, there was contention between supporters of modernity and traditionalism. What 7. What can you conclude about William Jennings is "contention?" Bryan from his participation in the Scopes trial? A. A type of lawsuit Choose the best answer B. Physical violence A. Preserving traditional values was an important C. A type of election cause for him D. Intense disagreement B. He was interested in publicity more than anything else 3. How does the theory of evolution differ from the C. He didn't know anything about science Biblical story of creation? Choose the best D. He bore strong grudges against both Clarence answer. Darrow and John Scopes A. Evolution does not explain how plants, fish, and birds came to be; creation does 8. How does teaching the Biblical creation story in B. The Biblical account does not include a timeline; science class violate the separation of church and evolutionary history does state? C. The Bible attributes life on earth to supernatural A. It teaches students to question the beliefs of causes; evolution attributes it to natural processes prominent scientists D. Creation says humans evolved from apes; evolution B. It doesn't give enough weight to other religious says humans have always existed in their current form beliefs C. It forces teachers and students to believe in God 4. What word best describes the atmosphere D. It uses public school facilities to advance a particular surrounding the Scopes trial? religious belief A. Tumultuous B. Adventurous 9. What was the immediate result of the Scopes C. Tranquil trial? D. Boring A. The Butler Act was repealed in Tennessee B. Scopes was found innocent and set free 5. Why was the Scopes trial C. Scopes was found guilty nicknamed the "monkey D. The Supreme Court banned the teaching of trial?" creationism in all American public schools A. Scopes's opponents wanted to insult him by calling 10. If the Scopes trial were held today, what would him a monkey be the most likely result? B. The controversy dealt with human evolution from A. Scopes would have to pay a hefty fine apelike ancestors B. The Butler Act would be found unconstitutional C. It was re-enacted in a popular movie by a troupe of C. Scopes would be imprisoned trained monkeys D. All Tennessee schools would require the teaching of D. Scopes had referred to his students as "a bunch of the Bible monkeys".
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  • Modified Document A: Sparks Letter to the Editor Sourcing
    WWW. HISTORICALT HINKINGM ATTERS. ORG — SCOPES T RIAL Modified Document A: Sparks Letter to the Editor Many citizens wrote letters to Tennessee’s newspapers in response to the Butler Act. Below is an excerpt from a letter written by a parent. Dear Editor: When the bill against the teaching of evolution in public schools was passed, I could not see why more mothers were not thanking the lawmakers. They were protecting our children from one of the destructive forces which will destroy our civilization. I for one was grateful that they stood up for the right. And grateful, too, that we have a Christian man for governor who will defend the Word of God against this so-called science. The Bible tells us that the gates of Hell shall not win against the church. We know there will always be standard-bearers for the cross of Christ. But in these times of materialism I thank God deep down in my heart for everyone whose voice is raised for humanity and the coming of God’s kingdom. Mrs. Jesse Sparks Pope, Tennessee Source: Mrs. Jesse Sparks, letter to the editor, Nashville Tennessean, July 3, 1925. Some of the language and phrasing in this document has been modified from the original. The original document can be found on the HTM website, www.historicalthinkingmatters.org. Sourcing 1. Why does Mrs. Sparks care about what is taught in schools? Contextualizing 2. To what does Mrs. Sparks refer when she says “these times of materialism”? Close Reading 3. Find all of the words that suggest the presence of a great danger.
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  • Central Historical Question: Why Was the Scopes Monkey Trial Significant?
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