The Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans, marched to Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand early payment of a bonus they had been promised but not yet received. Insisting they were owed $1,000 each, however, they were met with violence and resistance from police and troops. The incident, which became known as the Bonus Army March, ended with the group being forcefully evicted from their camp near the Capitol. Despite efforts from some members of Congress, the veterans did not receive their money until 1936, when a bill was passed over President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s veto.
The 1932 Bonus March
The Bonus Army was a group of approximately 43,000 World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1932 to demand payment of a bonus that had been promised to them by Congress in 1924.
The marchers arrived in Washington on June 15, 1932, and set up camp in Anacostia Flats, a swampy area on the outskirts of the city. They were joined by thousands of other veterans and their families, and the camp soon became a shantytown.
The marchers hoped to convince Congress to pass legislation that would allow them to collect their bonus immediately, rather than waiting until 1945, as the original law had specified. However, Congress refused to consider their demands, and the situation quickly escalated.
On July 28, 1932, President Herbert Hoover ordered the Army to clear the marchers out of Anacostia Flats. The troops used tear gas and bayonets to disperse the veterans, and several people were killed and injured.
The Bonus Army march was a major turning point in the Great Depression. It showed the extent of the economic hardship that veterans were facing, and it helped to galvanize support for the New Deal, which was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s plan to end the Depression.
Timeline of the Bonus Army March
- June 15, 1932: The Bonus Army arrives in Washington, D.C.
- July 1, 1932: Congress refuses to consider the marchers’ demands.
- July 28, 1932: President Hoover orders the Army to clear the marchers out of Anacostia Flats.
Casualties of the Bonus Army March
| Killed | Injured |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1,000+ |
The Bonus Army: When Did They Get Their Money?
The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand early payment of a bonus that had been promised to them in 1924. The bonus, known as the “Adjusted Compensation Certificate,” was intended to provide a financial incentive for veterans to serve in the war.
The Bonus Army’s March on Washington
The Bonus Army’s march on Washington began in May 1932. The veterans traveled to the capital in makeshift camps, and they set up a shantytown on the Anacostia River flats. The veterans’ presence in Washington drew national attention, and it soon became a political issue. President Herbert Hoover and Congress were under pressure to find a solution to the veterans’ demands.
The Bonus Marchers Were met with Violence After U.S. Attorney General William D. Mitchell ordered the marchers to be evicted.
On July 28, 1932, U.S. Attorney General William D. Mitchell ordered the marchers to be evicted. The U.S. Army was sent in to remove the veterans, and the eviction turned violent. The soldiers used tear gas and bayonets to drive the veterans out of their camps. Two veterans were killed, and hundreds were injured.
The Bonus Army Was Dispersed
The eviction of the Bonus Army was a major defeat for the veterans. The incident damaged President Hoover’s reputation, and it contributed to his defeat in the 1932 presidential election.
The World War I Veterans Finally Received Compensation
The veterans who marched on Washington did not receive their bonus until 1936. The Bonus Army was finally compensated as a result of the World War I Bonus Act of 1936. The act paid each veteran $50 for each month of service, up to a maximum of $1,000. The act also authorized the veterans to receive their bonus in the form of a government bond that would mature in 20 years.
| Year | Provisions |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Established a system of adjusted compensation for veterans of World War I |
| 1925 | Authorized the issuance of bonus certificates to veterans |
| 1931 | Made the bonus certificates eligible for immediate redemption |
The Bonus Army and the Fight for Compensation
The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand early payment of a bonus that had been promised to them by Congress. The Hoover Administration’s response to the Bonus Army was harsh, which led to a violent confrontation between the veterans and the U.S. Army.
The Hoover Administration’s Response
- Hoover refused to meet with the Bonus Army.
- Hoover ordered the U.S. Army to disperse the Bonus Army.
- The U.S. Army used tear gas and bayonets to disperse the Bonus Army.
- The Bonus Army was forced to leave Washington, D.C.
The Hoover Administration’s response to the Bonus Army was widely criticized. Many Americans felt that Hoover had overreacted and that the use of force against the veterans was unjustified. The Bonus Army事件 further damaged Hoover’s reputation and contributed to his defeat in the 1932 presidential election.
The Bonus Army and Their Compensation
The Bonus Army, composed of World War I veterans and their families, journeyed to Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand early payment of their service bonuses. These payments had been promised by Congress but had been postponed because the country was facing a severe economic crisis, the Great Depression.
The Bonus Army initially established a peaceful encampment in the city, but tensions escalated as the government refused to meet their demands. On July 28, 1932, President Herbert Hoover ordered the army to forcibly remove the veterans from their camp, leading to violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of two veterans and injuries to several others.
In response to public outrage, Congress passed the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act of 1936. This act authorized the immediate payment of a portion of the veterans’ bonuses to those who were still living, and the remaining payments to be made in installments over the next several years.
The Legacy of the Bonus Army
- The Bonus Army movement highlighted the economic hardships faced by veterans during the Great Depression.
- The government’s response to the Bonus Army, including the use of force to disperse them, damaged public trust and contributed to Hoover’s defeat in the 1932 presidential election.
- The Adjusted Compensation Payment Act of 1936 provided financial relief to veterans and their families.
- The Bonus Army’s protests helped raise awareness of the need for government support for veterans and influenced the development of New Deal programs that aimed to address the economic crisis.
| Bonus Payment Dates | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| July 1936 | 50% of bonus |
| January 1937 | 25% of bonus |
| January 1938 | 12.5% of bonus |
| January 1939 | 12.5% of bonus |
Well folks, there you have it! The Bonus Army finally got their due after a long and winding road filled with protests, marches, and even a violent clash with the U.S. military. It’s a fascinating piece of American history that shows the perseverance and determination of those who fought for what they believed in. Thanks for joining me on this historical journey, and be sure to check back for more intriguing tales in the future. Until then, stay curious, stay informed, and stay awesome!