Darwin's Theory of Evolution
In 1895, Charles Darwin introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. This theory of evolution directly contradicted the literal interpretation of the Bible's creation story. Darwin's theory led to significant controversy sparking widespread debate between creationist beliefs and evolutionary science. This question of creationism versus evolution was at the forefront of the Scopes Trial. Defenders on both sides of the debate argued for what they thought was the correct theory that children should be learning in public schools. The trial brought widespread attention to the role of religion in public education, but also to rising cultural divides in the country, specifically in regards to Christianity. The Scopes Trial illuminated the fact that American Christians had differing opinions on evolution, creation, and science. Although there were those who were staunch advocates of either creationism or evolution, the results of the trial show that there were substantial numbers of individuals who found themselves somewhere in the middle.
William Jennings Bryan and Creationism
By the time of the Scopes Trial, William Jennings Bryan had become one of the most prominent religious figures in the country for his anti-evolution campaigns. Bryan opposed the teaching of Darwinism in public schools, as he feared that evolutionary teachings would make their way into universities and, eventually, the church. Throughout the trial, Bryan advocated for the parent's right to choose what was being taught to their children in public schools. After the trial, Bryan gave several speeches to interested crowds in Dayton around creationist beliefs, and he made appearances in local churches. Bryan passed away just five days after the Scopes Trial verdict was delivered, and William Jennings Bryan University in Dayton, Tennessee was founded in 1930 in his honor.
The image above shows a pamphlet campaigning for funds to be raised for the creation of Bryan Memorial University. Taken from the Volunteer Voices Digital Collection.
Additional Resources on Evolution and Creationism
- Evolution by Vernon L. Kellogg, 1924. QH366. K35
- On the Origin of Special by Means of Natural Selection...by Charles Darwin, 1861. QH365 .O2
- The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals by Charles Darwin, 1872, QP401 .D21
- The San Francisco Debates on Evolution. . .For and Against by Maynard Shipley et. al, 1925. QH367. S48
- Darwinian Myths: The Legends and Misuses of a Theory by Edward Caudill, 1997. QH360.5 .C38 1997
- I Believe in God and in Evolution by William W. Keen, 1925. BL263. K4 1925
- The Menace of Darwinism by William Jennings Bryan, 1922. QH367. B7
- Evolution: Its Nature, Its Evidences, and Its Relation to Religious Thought by Joseph LeConte, 1891. QH367 .L46 1891
- Science, Religion, and Reality by Joseph Needham and Arthur James Balfour, 1970. BL240 .N4 1970
- Six Days or Forever? Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes by Ray Ginger, 1958. KF224.S3 G6
The image above shows the first page of a listing of William Jennings Bryan's "Books and Speeches" that were available in 1925. Taken from the Of Monkeys and Men: Public and Private Views from the Scopes Trial.
Evolution and the University of Tennessee
From the Scopes Trial to present day, UT students have always expressed their opinions on evolutionary teachings in the classroom. The image below is of a news article discussing students' satirical take on Darwin and evolution during the annual UT Circus Parade. On the other hand, students and departments across campus have celebrated Darwin Day annually on February 12, Charles Darwin's birth date, since 1997. The UT Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers materials in their Darwin Day Archives that highlights some of the festivities. In Special Collections, the Office of the University Historian has a collection on Student Life that features Darwin Day celebrations on campus, as well.
Image taken from the Knoxville News online collections.