The Bonus Army Protest: A Historical Overview
The Bonus Army protest was a significant event in American history that occurred during the Great Depression. The protest involved approximately 43,000 demonstrators, including 17,000 World War I veterans, their families, and affiliated groups. The protestors gathered in Washington, D.C., in mid-1932 to demand early cash redemption of their service bonus certificates.
Background
The Adjusted Compensation certificates, commonly referred to as bonuses, were approved by Congress in 1924. However, the full payment of these bonuses was not scheduled until 1945. As the Great Depression worsened, many veterans faced economic hardship and sought immediate payment of their bonuses to alleviate their financial burdens.
Protest and Occupation
The Bonus Army established shanty towns and camps in various locations in Washington, including 12th Street and B Street (now Constitution Avenue), 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, and a large site on the Anacostia Flats. The movement’s leader, Walter W. Waters, maintained order within the camps and expelled agitators.
Political Developments
In mid-June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing an immediate payout of the bonuses. However, the Senate rejected the bill, leading to discouragement among most of the veterans who left for home. A group of 2,000 to 10,000 veterans remained in Washington and engaged in protests and near-riots, creating an atmosphere of restlessness and threats of turbulence.
Military Intervention
Local authorities requested the intervention of U.S. President Herbert Hoover. Hoover ordered troops led by Brig. Gen. Perry L. Miles and accompanied by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to drive out the demonstrators and destroy their encampments. The troops used tear gas, bayonets, and even tanks armed with machine guns to disperse the protestors.
Aftermath
One veteran was shot to death, and several veterans and policemen were wounded during the confrontation. Congress later appropriated $100,000 to send the remaining protestors home, and they dispersed. The Bonus Army protest had political implications and was a blow to President Hoover’s administration. The protest laid the foundation for the G.I. Bill of Rights, which was passed in 1944 to provide benefits to World War II veterans.
Sources
- Bonus Army – Wikipedia
- Bonus Army | History & Significance | Britannica
- The 1932 Bonus Army (U.S. National Park Service)
FAQs
Where did the Bonus Army protest take place?
The Bonus Army protest took place in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States.
What were the key locations of the Bonus Army encampments?
The Bonus Army established shanty towns and camps in various locations in Washington, including 12th Street and B Street (now Constitution Avenue), 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, and a large site on the Anacostia Flats.
What was the name of the movement’s leader?
The movement’s leader was Walter W. Waters.
What was the significance of the Bonus Army protest?
The Bonus Army protest was a significant event in American history that laid the foundation for the G.I. Bill of Rights, which was passed in 1944 to provide benefits to World War II veterans.
What was the outcome of the Bonus Army protest?
The Bonus Army protest ended with the intervention of U.S. troops led by Brig. Gen. Perry L. Miles and accompanied by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The troops used tear gas, bayonets, and even tanks armed with machine guns to disperse the protestors. One veteran was shot to death, and several veterans and policemen were wounded during the confrontation.
What was the political impact of the Bonus Army protest?
The Bonus Army protest had political implications and was a blow to President Hoover’s administration.
What lessons can be learned from the Bonus Army protest?
The Bonus Army protest can teach us about the importance of addressing the needs of veterans, the dangers of economic inequality, and the limits of government power.
How does the Bonus Army protest compare to other protests in American history?
The Bonus Army protest was similar to other protests in American history in that it was a response to economic hardship and political grievances. However, it was unique in that it involved a large number of veterans and took place in the nation’s capital.