Bonus Army

Definition

The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched to Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand the immediate payment of bonuses that had been promised to them by the government. This event highlighted the desperation faced by many Americans during the Great Depression, as veterans sought financial relief in the wake of widespread unemployment and economic hardship. The confrontation between the Bonus Army and federal authorities ultimately illustrated the government's struggle to respond effectively to the needs of its citizens during this tumultuous period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bonus Army consisted of approximately 43,000 marchers, including veterans and their families, who camped near the Capitol in hopes of receiving their promised bonuses.
2. The march began peacefully in May 1932, but tensions escalated when the government refused to pay the bonuses immediately, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
3. General Douglas MacArthur was ordered to disperse the Bonus Army, which resulted in the use of force, including tear gas and bayonets, against the veterans and their families.
4. The violent eviction of the Bonus Army from their encampment damaged President Hoover's reputation and contributed to his unpopularity leading into the 1932 presidential election.
5. The Bonus Army's struggle highlighted the plight of millions of Americans during the Great Depression, paving the way for greater governmental intervention and support for veterans in subsequent years.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Bonus Army reflect the broader social and economic conditions during the Great Depression?
  • The Bonus Army's march on Washington in 1932 showcased the extreme hardships faced by many Americans during the Great Depression. As unemployment rates soared and financial struggles became widespread, World War I veterans sought immediate payment for bonuses that were promised but not due until 1945. This desperate plea for assistance reflected a larger discontent among citizens regarding government inaction amidst dire economic circumstances.
• Discuss the significance of General MacArthur's involvement in dispersing the Bonus Army and its impact on public perception of the government.
  • General MacArthur's aggressive tactics in dispersing the Bonus Army were significant because they illustrated a stark disconnect between government officials and struggling citizens. His use of military force against veterans who were peacefully protesting for their rights shocked many Americans and fueled public outrage. This incident not only tarnished President Hoover's image but also raised questions about the government's commitment to supporting those who served in wartime.
• Evaluate how the Bonus Army's demands and treatment influenced subsequent policies regarding veterans' benefits and government intervention during economic crises.
  • The events surrounding the Bonus Army played a crucial role in reshaping policies related to veterans' benefits and broader governmental responses to economic crises. The outrage over how veterans were treated led to increased advocacy for better support systems for those who served in the military. Additionally, this incident highlighted the need for more robust federal intervention in times of economic distress, paving the way for future programs under FDR’s New Deal aimed at providing relief to struggling Americans.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by high unemployment and significant declines in industrial production.

Hoovervilles: Makeshift shantytowns that emerged during the Great Depression, named after President Herbert Hoover, where many displaced families lived in poverty.

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the struggling economy.