What significant trial held in 1925 focused on the debate between Darwin's theory of evolution and biblical creationism?

Prepare for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam's Period 7. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready!

The trial that was significant in 1925 and focused on the debate between Darwin's theory of evolution and biblical creationism is the Scopes Monkey Trial. This trial arose in the context of growing tensions between modern scientific theories and traditional religious beliefs, particularly in the American South.

The case involved John T. Scopes, a high school teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, who was charged with violating the Butler Act, a law that prohibited the teaching of evolution in state-funded schools. The trial became a highly publicized legal battle that represented broader cultural conflicts in the United States regarding education, science, and religion.

The Scopes Monkey Trial not only highlighted the contentious debate over evolution versus creationism but also symbolized the struggles between modernism and traditionalism during the Roaring Twenties. It drew national attention and involved prominent figures such as defense attorney Clarence Darrow and prosecutor William Jennings Bryan, making it a landmark event in American legal and cultural history.

In contrast, the other trials listed do not focus on the same issues. Brown v. Board of Education dealt with racial segregation in public schools, Plessy v. Ferguson established the "separate but equal" doctrine regarding racial segregation, and Mapp v. Ohio centered on the protection

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