Which trial is commonly referred to as the "Monkey Trial"?

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Study for the Texas AandM University HIST106 History of the United States Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The trial commonly referred to as the "Monkey Trial" is the Scopes Trial. This landmark legal case took place in 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee, and involved John T. Scopes, a high school teacher accused of violating the Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of human evolution in state-funded schools. The trial gained national attention and became a critical battleground in the debate between modernist and fundamentalist views on science and religion.

The nickname "Monkey Trial" comes from the sensational nature of the case, particularly its focus on whether humans evolved from monkeys, which was a key point in the discussions of evolution versus creationism. It highlighted the cultural clash of the time, reflecting the broader conflicts between scientific understanding and religious beliefs in America. This trial not only influenced public education but also symbolized a significant moment in the struggle over educational curricula and the role of religion in public life.

In contrast, while the other choices mention related themes (Butler Trial, Evolution Case, Fundamentalist Trial), they do not encapsulate the specific historical significance and popular name that became associated with the Scopes Trial. Thus, the Scopes Trial is the correct identification of what people typically mean when they refer to the "Monkey Trial."