Traditional vs. Contemporary Viewpoint

The Scopes Monkey trial shows the struggle between faith and science.  This is nothing new in the United States but gain particular attention in the 1920s - largely because of radio.  

In 1923, Tennessee passed a law that required public schools to teach religious explanations for the advent of man and forbid the teaching of Darwinism.  John Scopes, a teacher in Dayton, TN, taught Darwinism and was subsequently fired (although there is more to the story).  He then sued for reinstatement in court.  The court case was heard across the nation.  

Arguing in favor of creationism was William Jennings Bryan who many believe to be the best lawyer of his time.  John Scopes was represented by Clarence Darrow - one of the most prominent defense attorneys in the country.  The case showed the strong divide in America between those who supported science and those who supported faith; traditional vs. liberal.  

Outcome: Scopes was found guilty of breaking the law (which he did do) but the law was overturned by the US Supreme Court as a violation of the 1st amendment - separation of church and state.

Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were Italian immigrants and anarchists (they believed that government should not exist).  In April of 1920, they were arrested for first-degree murder in Massachusetts.  The argument was Sacco and Vanzetti committed robbery and murder in order to gain funds to support their anarchist movement. At trial, both Sacco and Vanzetti provided alabis for the date and time of the murder; Sacco was selling fish in Boston and Vanzetti was applying for a Italian visa in Boston.  At least 6 witnesses verified their whereabouts.  

In 1921, Sacco and Vanzetti were found guilty of murder and sentenced to death.  However, in 1925, another person confessed the crime for which Sacco and Vanzetti were found guilty.  But the verdict held and a new trial was denied.  Sacco and Vanzetti were put to death in 1927.  At his final trail, Vanzetti stated:

"I am suffering because I am a radical and indeed I am a radical; I have suffered because I am an Italian and indeed I am an Italian." 

Many believe Sacco and Vanzetti were executed for their beliefs and because they were immigrants - not because of any crime.