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What was Clarence Darrow known for in the context of the Scopes Trial?

  1. Being a proponent of creationism

  2. Successfully defending the teaching of evolution

  3. Arguing against the federal regulation of education

  4. Defending William Jennings Bryan

The correct answer is: Successfully defending the teaching of evolution

Clarence Darrow was known for successfully defending the teaching of evolution during the Scopes Trial, which took place in 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee. This trial centered on the legal case against John T. Scopes, a teacher accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools. Darrow, a prominent lawyer and a leading figure in the defense, argued that the law was an infringement on academic freedom and intellectual inquiry. His defense highlighted the value of scientific perspectives in education and aimed to challenge the prevailing social norms that favored creationism over evolution. Darrow's role was pivotal; he engaged in a famous debate with William Jennings Bryan, who was a key figure advocating for creationism. Through his arguments and courtroom strategies, Darrow aimed not only to defend Scopes but also to open a broader discussion about educational freedom and the relationship between science and religion in American society. This trial became a landmark case in the history of American education, symbolizing the conflict between modernism and traditionalism in the early 20th century.