All Of It: The 100th Anniversary of the Scopes Trial

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Brenda Wineapple, Historian and Author of Keeping the God Democracy and the Trial that Riveted the Nation
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction and Historical Context

On the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, Alison Stewart delves deep into the events that unfolded in Dayton, Tennessee, a small town that became the epicenter of one of America's most infamous legal battles. The trial, which began on July 10, 1925, centered around Tennessee's Butler Act, a law that prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. John Scopes, a local biology teacher, was arrested for violating this act by teaching evolution, setting the stage for a national spectacle.

Key Figures: William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow

Brenda Wineapple provides insight into the two towering figures of the trial. On the prosecution side stood William Jennings Bryan, a four-time presidential nominee who believed that religion and morality were at stake. Bryan, characterized by Wineapple as a "powerhouse" (08:46), was a representative of the Christian Fundamentals Association, advocating for strict adherence to biblical literalism. He famously declared, "caucasian race is the best race, the only race" (10:43), highlighting the underlying racial tensions of the era.

Opposing Bryan was Clarence Darrow, a renowned lawyer known for defending labor unions and advocating for civil liberties. Wineapple describes Darrow as an "avowed agnostic" (14:34) who was deeply committed to issues of freedom and democracy. Darrow's reputation for being able to engage juries effectively and his passion for defending the marginalized made him a formidable opponent in the courtroom.

The Trial in Dayton, Tennessee

Dayton, with a population of approximately 2,000, transformed overnight as nearly 200 journalists, photographers, and spectators descended upon the town. Wineapple paints a vivid picture of the scene: "spectators, people came in with chimpanzees that went up and down the street. There were Pentecostal preachers. There were big signs out saying, 'Read your Bible'" (15:41). The trial, often referred to as the "Monkey Trial" by H.L. Mencken (16:32), became America's first nationally broadcast trial, captivating the nation’s attention.

Despite the high-profile nature of the case, John Scopes was an unassuming substitute biology teacher and football coach who found himself thrust into the spotlight. As Wineapple notes, "Scopes was found guilty, and he was fined $100" (22:46), but this fine was merely a technicality, as the Tennessee Supreme Court later invalidated the decision on procedural grounds (22:38).

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The trial was a media frenzy, with Dayton's serene reputation upended by the influx of media attention. Wineapple recounts an interaction where a Dayton citizen expressed, "an education for nothing" (17:25), highlighting the community's unexpected role in this national debate. The trial's extensive media coverage, including radio broadcasts, made it a precursor to modern televised trials, engaging the public in a heated discussion about education, religion, and governance.

Wineapple emphasizes that the trial went beyond the immediate question of teaching evolution; it was fundamentally about civil rights and individual freedoms. She cites W.E.B. Du Bois, who observed that "Dayton, Tennessee is America" (18:07), underscoring the trial’s representation of broader societal conflicts regarding democracy, equality, and freedom of thought.

Outcome and Legacy

While John Scopes was technically found guilty, the trial's outcome had nuanced implications. The Butler Act remained on the books until the 1960s but was rarely enforced thereafter (22:31). The trial itself became a symbol of the clash between modernist and fundamentalist ideologies, setting the stage for future debates over education and the role of religion in public life.

Brenda Wineapple reflects on the personal aftermath for John Scopes, noting his reluctance to seek fame post-trial. "He was very unassuming, and he turned everything down and he kind of disappeared" (06:48), highlighting the human side of the historical event.

Modern Relevance

The issues at the heart of the Scopes Trial remain pertinent today. Wineapple draws parallels between the 1925 trial and contemporary debates over educational content, censorship, and religious influence in schools. She points out current instances of book banning and legislative attempts to mandate religious education, questioning which texts and beliefs are given precedence. "Whether it's censorship, freedom to worship, all of these kinds of issues are very much with us today" (23:55).

Moreover, Wineapple connects the trial's underlying themes of xenophobia, fear of change, and bigotry to current societal challenges, including immigration and racial tensions. She asserts, "questions about freedom, questions about democracy, questions about xenophobia, questions about even immigration" (23:55), illustrating the enduring legacy of the Scopes Trial in America's cultural and political discourse.

Notable Quotes

• Brenda Wineapple (03:48): "John Scopes was found guilty, and he was fined $100."
• Brenda Wineapple (10:43): "Caucasian race is the best race, the only race."
• Brenda Wineapple (14:34): "Darrow was an avowed agnostic. Which, of course, made it seem as if he was of the Devil party."
• Brenda Wineapple (17:25): "What do you expect to get out of the trial? An education for nothing."
• Brenda Wineapple (23:55): "Whether it's censorship, freedom to worship, all of these kinds of issues are very much with us today."

Conclusion

Brenda Wineapple's comprehensive analysis of the Scopes Trial on its centennial underscores its lasting impact on American society. The trial was not merely about a biology teacher being fined for teaching evolution but was emblematic of deeper conflicts regarding religion, education, and individual freedoms. As Alison Stewart and Wineapple discuss, the echoes of the Scopes Trial continue to resonate in today's debates, reminding us that the struggle between tradition and progress is an ongoing narrative in the fabric of American culture.

This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "All Of It" podcast episode commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Scopes Trial. For a deeper understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.