Why do you think evolution became such a hot button issue in the 1920's? what else was going on during this period that explains the increased attention given to evolution?

It was a very local thing, in Tennessee. The teacher was told not to teach that such a thing as evolution even existed, he did and paid the price. The major focus was not on evolution but on William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution and Henry Darrow for the defense. 
Prohibition and flappers were a minor part also. Those things were in the big cities. They mattered little to the common man. It is just that they were exciting and that is what sells movies today.Jim R · 10 years ago

Militarism is the answer.