Who Were the Bonus Army Marchers?

The Bonus Army March on Washington, D.C.

The Bonus Army was a group of 43,000 demonstrators who marched on Washington, D.C. in mid-1932. This group was made up of 17,000 U.S. World War I veterans, along with their families and affiliated groups. Their main demand was for early cash redemption of their service bonus certificates.

The Bonus Army: The Bonus Army, also known as the Bonus Expeditionary Force, was a diverse group consisting primarily of veterans who had served in World War I. They came from all walks of life and regions of the country, united in their cause to seek economic relief during the Great Depression.

Background of the Bonus Army

The Bonus Army was formed in response to the economic hardships faced by many World War I veterans during the Great Depression. In 1924, Congress had passed the World War Adjusted Compensation Act, which provided veterans with certificates that could be redeemed for cash bonuses in 1945. However, as the economic situation worsened, many veterans found themselves in desperate need of immediate financial assistance.

Motivation for Marching: The Bonus Army's decision to march on Washington was fueled by frustration and a sense of urgency to secure their promised bonuses. Many veterans were struggling to provide for their families and saw the march as a way to demand action from the government.

The March on Washington

In the summer of 1932, thousands of veterans and their families descended on Washington, D.C. to participate in the march. They set up camps near the Capitol and White House, demanding to be heard by President Herbert Hoover and Congress.

Government Response: The presence of the Bonus Army in the nation's capital created tension and unease among officials. President Hoover initially resisted meeting with the demonstrators, fearing the political implications of their demands. Eventually, he authorized the removal of the camps, leading to a violent clash between the veterans and law enforcement.

Legacy of the Bonus Army

Although the Bonus Army did not achieve their immediate goal of early bonus redemption, their actions brought national attention to the plight of veterans and their families. The march shed light on the struggles faced by those who had served their country and spurred future efforts to support veterans in times of need.