What did the Butler Act, passed in Tennessee in 1925, prohibit?

The Butler Act, passed in Tennessee in 1925, specifically prohibited the teaching of evolutionism in public schools. This legislation was a direct response to the growing debate around Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, particularly in the context of the Scopes Trial that occurred later in the same year. The act was aimed at promoting a literal interpretation of the Bible and preventing educators from teaching concepts that contradicted biblical creationism. The controversy surrounding the Butler Act highlighted the cultural clash between modern scientific views and traditional religious beliefs during the 1920s. Understanding this context is key to recognizing why the correct answer is focused on the prohibition of evolutionary teachings in educational settings, reflecting broader societal tensions during that period.