Bonus Army: The Forgotten Heroes of the Great Depression
What were the conditions that led to the formation of the Bonus Army?
The Bonus Army was made up of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, DC in 1932. What were the circumstances that pushed them to take such drastic action?
Conditions that led to the formation of the Bonus Army:
The veterans who marched on Washington hoping to receive their bonus checks early were known as the Bonus Army. In 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression, over 15,000 World War I veterans and their families converged on the capital. The federal government had promised these veterans a bonus for their service, payable in 1945, but the economic hardships of the time led them to demand earlier payment. These veterans set up makeshift camps, known as Hoovervilles, and protested peacefully. Unfortunately, their protest was met with a strong response from the government when President Hoover ordered the military to disperse the veterans, leading to violence and fatalities.
The Bonus Army's formation was a direct result of the economic hardships faced by World War I veterans during the Great Depression. Despite serving their country during the war, they found themselves in dire financial straits due to the economic downturn of the 1930s. The promised bonus payment in 1945 seemed like a distant prospect as they struggled to make ends meet.
The veterans, desperate for relief, gathered in Washington to peacefully protest and demand early payment of their bonuses. However, their pleas fell on deaf ears, and they were met with forceful resistance from the government. This harsh response highlighted the struggles faced by many during this turbulent time in American history.
The legacy of the Bonus Army lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these forgotten heroes of the Great Depression. Their activism contributed to later reforms, such as the GI Bill, which provided much-needed benefits to World War II veterans. Despite facing adversity, the Bonus Army's determination to fight for what was rightfully theirs paved the way for future generations of servicemen and women to receive the support they deserve.