American History Tellers

Episode: Evolution on Trial | Duel to the Death | 3
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Lindsay Graham
Network: Wondery

Introduction

In episode three of American History Tellers, titled "Evolution on Trial | Duel to the Death," host Lindsay Graham delves deep into the infamous Scopes Trial of 1925. This pivotal moment in American history not only tested the boundaries between science and religion but also highlighted the cultural clash between rural and urban America. Through detailed narration and compelling storytelling, the episode captures the tension, drama, and lasting impact of the trial.

Setting the Stage: Dayton, Tennessee, July 1925

The episode opens on a sweltering July evening in Dayton, Tennessee, where tensions simmer outside Robinson's Drugstore. H.L. Mencken, a Baltimore writer known for his sharp critiques, becomes the focal point of local discontent due to his abrasive commentary on the town and the ongoing trial.

Notable Quote:

Mencken (approx. 00:45): "Well, so much for free speech. But then again, it seems you people are determined to make a mockery of the Constitution."
(Timestamp: 00:45)

The police commissioner confronts Mencken, ultimately persuading him to leave town amid rising threats and growing unrest.

The Scopes Trial Unfolds

The core of the episode centers on the trial of John Scopes, a high school teacher accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act by teaching evolution—a direct challenge to the town's conservative values.

Courtroom Dynamics and Key Figures

• Judge John Ralston: Presiding over the trial with a firm hand, often caught between his duty and the mounting pressures from both sides.
• William Jennings Bryan: A three-time presidential candidate and staunch anti-evolution advocate, Bryan plays a crucial role as both prosecutor and cultural icon.
• Clarence Darrow: The renowned defense attorney who becomes the trial's moral compass, determined to defend Scopes and challenge the anti-evolution mandate.

Notable Quote:

Bryan (approx. 15:30): "Parents have a right to say that no teacher paid by their money shall rob their children of faith in God."
(Timestamp: 15:30)

Turning Points in the Trial

• Opening Statements: The prosecution, represented by Tom Stewart, focuses narrowly on Scopes teaching evolution, while defense attorney Dudley Malone broadens the defense by questioning the very foundation of the Butler Act.

• Expert Testimony Controversy:

  • Darrow's Strategy: Attempting to introduce 15 expert witnesses to demonstrate the compatibility of evolution and Christianity.
  • Judge Ralston's Ruling: Denies the defense's motion to allow expert testimony, halting the defense's broader argument.

Notable Quote:

Malone (approx. 10:15): "The truth is no cowardice. The truth does not need the law. The truth does not need the forces of government."
(Timestamp: 10:15)

• Bryan's Climactic Speech: William Jennings Bryan delivers a passionate hour-long address opposing evolution, emphasizing the moral degradation he believes evolution fosters.

Notable Quote:

Darrow (approx. 25:10): "There is never a duel with the truth. The truth always wins, and we are not afraid of it."
(Timestamp: 25:10)

• Darrow's Trap and Bryan's Downfall: In a masterful turn of events, Darrow calls Bryan to the stand as a surprise witness, meticulously questioning him on biblical literalism. This tactic forces Bryan to concede that the Bible's creation story may not be taken literally, undermining his position and galvanizing public opinion in favor of the defense.

Notable Quote:

Darrow (approx. 29:20): "Do you believe that Eve was the first woman?"
(Timestamp: 29:20)
Bryan (approx. 29:25): "Yes."
(Timestamp: 29:25)

Verdict and Aftermath

After eight arduous days, the jury swiftly finds John Scopes guilty, imposing a $100 fine. However, the true outcome transcends the courtroom verdict:

• Moral Victory for Darrow: Despite the guilty verdict, Darrow's aggressive defense and strategic questioning of Bryan render the trial a public relations win, shifting national discourse towards a more progressive stance on science and education.

• Death of William Jennings Bryan: Just days after the trial, Bryan dies from a stroke, symbolizing the end of an era for the anti-evolution movement. His passing is met with mixed emotions, viewed as martyrdom by supporters and a downfall by critics.

Notable Quote:

Darrow (approx. 30:50): "We have the purpose of preventing bigots and ignoramuses from controlling the edge of education in the United States."
(Timestamp: 30:50)

Long-Term Implications

The episode concludes by examining the trial's enduring legacy:

• Legal and Educational Shifts: Although the Butler Act was technically upheld by the Tennessee Supreme Court on a technicality, the trial ignited a nationwide debate that led to gradual acceptance of evolution in educational curricula.

• Rise of Fundamentalism and Civil Liberties Movements: The trial spurred fundamentalists to create institutions advocating for their beliefs, while the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) leveraged the case to advance academic freedom and the separation of church and state.

• Cultural Symbolism: The Scopes Trial remains a powerful symbol of the struggle between tradition and modernity, faith and science, and highlights the complexities of American identity and values.

Notable Quote:

Mencken (approx. 45:00): "The evil that men do lives after them."
(Timestamp: 45:00)

Conclusion

Evolution on Trial | Duel to the Death offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Scopes Trial, capturing the high stakes, dramatic confrontations, and significant cultural shifts that defined this landmark event. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Lindsay Graham presents a nuanced portrayal of a trial that continues to resonate in discussions about education, religion, and freedom of thought in America.

Upcoming Episode:
In the next installment, Lindsay Graham discusses the significance of the Scopes Trial 100 years later with Brenda Winapple, author of Keeping the God, Democracy, and the Trial that Riveted a Nation, further exploring the trial's lasting impact on contemporary society.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key elements, discussions, and outcomes of the episode while incorporating notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps.