Here's a nuanced look at its influence:
* It didn't ban the teaching of evolution outright: The act prohibited the teaching of any theory that denied the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and instead taught that man has descended from a lower order of animals. This wasn't a complete ban, but rather a restriction focused on specific interpretations of evolutionary theory that directly contradicted a literal interpretation of the Bible's creation account.
* It created a climate of fear and self-censorship: Many teachers, fearing legal repercussions, chose to avoid the topic of evolution altogether rather than risk prosecution. This had a chilling effect on the teaching of evolutionary biology in some parts of the country.
* It spurred the Scopes Trial: The famous Scopes Monkey Trial, a direct result of the Butler Act, brought national attention to the conflict between science and religion in education. While Scopes was found guilty, the trial highlighted the absurdity of the law and ultimately helped to weaken its enforcement.
* It didn't lead to a widespread, permanent ban: While the act created a climate of apprehension, its impact wasn't uniform across the US. Other states didn't necessarily adopt similar legislation, and over time, the teaching of evolution gained more acceptance.
* Long-term legacy of influence on anti-evolution sentiment: The Butler Act and the Scopes Trial cemented the controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution in the public consciousness. This legacy continues to fuel ongoing debates about the role of religion and science in education, and contributes to the occasional resurgence of attempts to restrict or limit the teaching of evolution in public schools.
In short, the Butler Act didn't outright ban the teaching of evolution, but it created a context of legal uncertainty and social pressure that significantly influenced *how* and *whether* evolution was taught in certain areas for a period of time. Its long-term effects were primarily indirect, contributing to a lingering cultural conflict that continues to this day.