Webquest

Answer each of these questions to get background information about Inherit the Wind.  You must type your answers in Word format, and they must be in your own words and in full sentences.  In other words, you may not just cut and paste.  This is an individual assignment, so do not be tempted to trade answers with classmates.  If you do not finish the webquest in class, it becomes homework.  Good luck and happy learning!

Charles Darwin and Evolution - The case in the play is based off of the findings of naturalist Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution.

1.  When and where was Darwin born?

2.  What was the purpose of Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle?

3.  What four theories did Darwin concoct about evolution? 

4.  According to Darwin, what determines a species survival or extinction?

5.  What is the title of Darwin's famous book, published in 1859?

6.  Why did many people oppose evolution?

7.  What did Darwin supposedly do on his deathbed?

The Scopes Trial - The trial in Inherit the Wind is very loosely based on the famous Scopes Trial. 

1.  What is the nickname of this trial?

2.  In what year did the trial take place?

3.  What was the Butler Act?

4.  What did the ACLU do in order to challenge the Butler Act?

5.  Why did George Rappleyea want to bring a trial to Dayton? 

6.  Who was John T. Scopes?

7.  As the trial began, what did the defense choose as their major argument?

8.  What did Malone argue in terms of the Bible?

9.  Bryan agreed to be questioned by Darrow.  On what subject did Darrow question his adversary?

10.  What verdit did the jury deliver?

William Jennings Bryan - The fictional character Matthew Harrison Brady is loosely based on this famous attorney. 

1.  When was Bryan born?

2.  What are some of Bryan's accomplishments?

3.  Why did Bryan oppose the theory of evolution?

4.  From what illness did Bryan suffer?

5.  When (specifically) did Bryan die?

Clarence Seward Darrow - The fictional character Henry Drummond is loosely based on this famous attorney. 

1.  When was Darrow born?

2.  What kinds of people did Darrow tend to defend?

3.  What controversy nearly ruined Darrow's career? 

4.  Why did Darrow decide to take the Scopes Trial? 

5.  When did Darrow die? 

American Civil Liberties Union

Part 1

1.  What is the mission of the ACLU? 

2.  The ACLU works to extend the right of what kinds of groups?

3.  When was the ACLU founded?

Part 2

1.  What did the ACLU's newspaper ad say?

2.  Why did the ACLU attack the anti-evolution law?

3.  Which ACLU attorney was the defense's mastermind?

4.  What was the ACLU's plan for defense? 

Back to Assignments

John T. Scopes - The fictional character Bertram T. Cates is loosely based on John Scopes.

1.  What job did Scopes hold before the trial?

2.  Where was Scopes called to discuss his involvement in the trial?

3.  What couldn't Scopes remember doing?  How does this change the trial?

4.  After the trial, what did Scopes do with his life?