Today in History: Charles Darwin & Teaching Evolution
Today in History–May 5–the Library of Congress features the controversy surrounding teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. On this date in 1925 John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution in a Tennessee public high school. Originally conceived as both a test case and a publicity stunt, Scopes went to trial and was found guilty. Later, the Tennessee Supreme Court acquitted Scopes but upheld the law prohibiting the teaching of evolution. Learn more about this infamous trial by visiting the Today in History section, then check out related primary sources linked to below.
1925 historical newspaper coverage
“In a State Where You Can’t Teach Evolution” 1937 cartoon by Herb Block
“Creationism or Evolution? That’s Up to the States” 2000 cartoon by Herb Block
Monkey Trial Timeline PBS American Experience
Human Evolution (Science Tracer Bullet)
Evolution and Revolution: Nature Writer Discusses Darwin Library of Congress Information Bulletin June 2001
The Evolution Controversy Constitutional Controversies University of Missouri Kansas City
Darwin Getting His Due Library of Congress Blog March 6, 2009
Charles Darwin, Geologist streaming webcast
Books & other texts by and about Charles Darwin
Topics in Chronicling America: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
More historical newspaper articles related to Charles Darwin and evolution
Legislation in support of Darwin Day
Related resources