In Lincoln's mind, the railroad was part of the Civil War effort. The new line would support communities and military outposts on the frontier. ... A transcontinental railroad, Lincoln hoped, would bring the entire nation closer together – would make Americans across the continent feel like one people.
William Jennings Bryan ... three-time candidate for the US presidency ... prosecuted Scopes. Clarence Darrow defended him. Scopes was convicted of having taught human evolution, and was fined $100, but the verdict was overturned later.
