Bonus Army March

Definition

The Bonus Army March was a significant protest that took place in 1932 when thousands of World War I veterans and their families converged on Washington, D.C. to demand early payment of bonuses that had been promised to them for their military service. This event highlighted the struggles faced by veterans during the Great Depression and reflected broader economic hardships, as many participants were homeless and unemployed. The Bonus Army's encampment near the U.S. Capitol became a symbol of desperation and the demand for government assistance during a time of widespread suffering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bonus Army consisted of approximately 43,000 marchers, including about 17,000 veterans, who set up camps in Washington, D.C. to demand immediate payment of their bonuses.
2. The marchers initially gained support from some members of Congress but faced strong opposition from President Hoover, who refused to meet their demands.
3. On July 28, 1932, federal troops were ordered to disperse the Bonus Army's encampment, leading to violent clashes and resulting in injuries and deaths among both veterans and soldiers.
4. The violent confrontation with the Bonus Army tarnished Hoover's reputation and further fueled public discontent with his handling of the Great Depression.
5. The events surrounding the Bonus Army March ultimately contributed to changes in veterans' benefits and highlighted the need for government assistance programs in times of economic crisis.

Review Questions

• How did the Bonus Army March reflect the broader social and economic conditions of the United States during the Great Depression?
  • The Bonus Army March was a direct reflection of the widespread poverty and desperation faced by many Americans during the Great Depression. With high unemployment rates and homelessness on the rise, veterans organized this protest to highlight their struggles and demand relief from the government. The gathering underscored the frustrations of a population feeling abandoned in a time of dire need, illustrating how economic challenges affected various segments of society.
• Discuss how President Hoover's response to the Bonus Army March influenced public perception of his administration.
  • President Hoover's response to the Bonus Army March had significant consequences for how his administration was perceived by the public. His decision to use military force to disperse the veterans' encampment created a backlash against him, as many saw this as a harsh and callous approach to addressing their grievances. The violent outcome further damaged his reputation and contributed to growing dissatisfaction with his leadership during an already challenging period.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Bonus Army March on American policy regarding veterans' benefits and government assistance.
  • The Bonus Army March had lasting impacts on American policy regarding veterans' benefits and government assistance programs. The outcry from veterans highlighted the need for timely support for those who served in wartime, prompting changes in how benefits were administered. In subsequent years, this event served as a catalyst for more comprehensive legislation aimed at providing financial security for veterans and established precedents for government intervention during economic crises, ultimately shaping future policies concerning social welfare.

Related terms

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and significant declines in industrial output.

Hoovervilles:

Shantytowns that arose during the Great Depression, named derisively after President Herbert Hoover, where many homeless Americans lived in makeshift shelters.

Veterans' Bonus Act: A law passed in 1924 that granted World War I veterans a bonus for their service, payable in 1945, which was the main point of contention during the Bonus Army March.