The Causes of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 121 views

Introduction

The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches were two pivotal events in American history that highlighted the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. These events, which took place in the 1930s, showcased the desperation and resilience of the people who were affected by the economic crisis. In this article, we will delve into the history of these events, their causes, and their impact on American society.

The Bonus Army

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 promised bonus for their military service. The bonus, which was scheduled to be paid in 1945, was meant to compensate the veterans for their sacrifices during the war. However, with the country in the midst of the Great Depression, many veterans were struggling to make ends meet and were in dire need of financial assistance.

The Bonus Army, which consisted of approximately 17,000 veterans, arrived in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 1932, and set up camp on the outskirts of the city. The veterans, who were led by Walter W. Waters, a former Army sergeant, were determined to pressure the government into paying them the bonus early. They marched on the Capitol Building, where they were met by President Herbert Hoover, who refused to meet with them.

The Confrontation

The confrontation between the Bonus Army and the government turned violent on July 28, 1932, when President Hoover ordered the U.S. Army to disperse the veterans. The Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur, used tear gas and cavalry charges to break up the camp, resulting in the deaths of two veterans and the injury of many others. The event was widely condemned, and it marked a turning point in the relationship between the government and the working class.

The Hunger Marches

The Hunger Marches were a series of protests that took place in the United States in the early 1930s, in which thousands of people marched on cities across the country to demand relief from the economic crisis. The marches, which were organized by the Unemployed Councils, a group of unemployed workers, were a response to the government's failure to provide adequate relief to those affected by the Depression.

The first Hunger March took place in 1930, in New York City, where thousands of people marched on City Hall to demand relief from the city's mayor, Jimmy Walker. The march was met with violence, and several people were injured. However, the event drew national attention, and it marked the beginning of a wave of Hunger Marches that would take place across the country.

The Causes of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches

The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches were a response to the economic crisis of the Great Depression. The crisis, which was caused by a combination of factors, including the stock market crash of 1929 and the collapse of the banking system, had left millions of people without jobs or income. The government's response to the crisis was inadequate, and many people were forced to rely on charity and relief programs to survive.

The Impact of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches

The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches had a significant impact on American society. They highlighted the desperation and resilience of the working class, and they drew attention to the need for government action to address the economic crisis. The events also marked a turning point in the relationship between the government and the working class, and they paved the way for the New Deal, a series of programs and policies that were implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis.

Conclusion

The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches were two pivotal events in American history that highlighted the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. These events, which took place in the 1930s, showcased the desperation and resilience of the people who were affected by the economic crisis. The events also marked a turning point in the relationship between the government and the working class, and they paved the way for the New Deal, a series of programs and policies that were implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis.

The Legacy of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches

The legacy of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches can be seen in the many social and economic programs that were implemented in the United States in the decades that followed. The events also highlighted the importance of government action to address economic crises, and they paved the way for the development of social welfare programs, such as Social Security and unemployment insurance.

The Importance of Remembering the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches

It is essential to remember the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches, as they provide a valuable lesson in the importance of government action to address economic crises. The events also highlight the resilience and determination of the working class, and they serve as a reminder of the need for social and economic justice.

Timeline of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches

1930: The first Hunger March takes place in New York City.
1932: The Bonus Army marches on Washington, D.C. to demand early payment of a promised bonus for their military service.
1932: The confrontation between the Bonus Army and the government turns violent, resulting in the deaths of two veterans and the injury of many others.
1933: The New Deal is implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis.
1936: The Social Security Act is passed, providing financial assistance to the elderly and the disabled.
1938: Unemployment insurance is implemented, providing financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs.

Sources

"The Bonus Army" by James A. Farley
"The Hunger Marches" by David A. Shannon
"The New Deal" by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
"The Social Security Act" by Ira Katznelson
"Unemployment Insurance" by Robert M. Solow

Conclusion

Q: What was the Bonus Army?

A: 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 promised bonus for their military service.

Q: What was the purpose of the Bonus Army's march?

A: The purpose of the Bonus Army's march was to pressure the government into paying them the bonus early, as many veterans were struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression.

Q: What was the outcome of the Bonus Army's march?

A: The confrontation between the Bonus Army and the government turned violent, resulting in the deaths of two veterans and the injury of many others.

Q: What were the Hunger Marches?

A: The Hunger Marches were a series of protests that took place in the United States in the early 1930s, in which thousands of people marched on cities across the country to demand relief from the economic crisis.

Q: What was the purpose of the Hunger Marches?

A: The purpose of the Hunger Marches was to demand relief from the economic crisis, including jobs, food, and shelter for those affected by the Great Depression.

Q: How many people participated in the Hunger Marches?

A: Thousands of people participated in the Hunger Marches, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 people.

Q: What was the outcome of the Hunger Marches?

A: The Hunger Marches were met with violence and repression by the government, but they also drew national attention and helped to raise awareness about the need for economic relief.

Q: What was the significance of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches?

A: The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches were significant because they highlighted the desperation and resilience of the working class during the Great Depression, and they paved the way for the New Deal, a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis.

Q: What was the New Deal?

A: The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, and job creation programs.

Q: How did the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches influence the New Deal?

A: The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches influenced the New Deal by highlighting the need for government action to address the economic crisis, and by providing a model for future social and economic programs.

Q: What can we learn from the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches?

A: We can learn from the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches that government action is necessary to address economic crises, and that the working class has the power to demand change and advocate for their rights.

Q: How can we honor the memory of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches?

A: We can honor the memory of the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches by continuing to advocate for social and economic justice, and by supporting programs and policies that address the needs of the working class.

Q: What resources are available for further learning about the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches?

A: There are many resources available for further learning about the Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches, including books, articles, and documentaries. Some recommended resources include:

"The Bonus Army" by James A. Farley
"The Hunger Marches" by David A. Shannon
"The New Deal" by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
"The Social Security Act" by Ira Katznelson
"Unemployment Insurance" by Robert M. Solow

Conclusion

The Bonus Army and the Hunger Marches were two pivotal events in American history that highlighted the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. These events, which took place in the 1930s, showcased the desperation and resilience of the people who were affected by the economic crisis. The events also marked a turning point in the relationship between the government and the working class, and they paved the way for the New Deal, a series of programs and policies that were implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the economic crisis.