The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 48 views

The "Bonus Army" Marched on Washington: Uncovering the Truth Behind a Historic Event

In 1932, a group of World War I veterans, known as the "Bonus Army," marched on Washington, D.C. to demand their army pension benefits. This event was a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the struggles of veterans and the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the Bonus Army's march and the consequences that followed.

The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl

The Great Depression, which lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, was a period of economic downturn that affected millions of Americans. The Dust Bowl, a severe drought that devastated the Great Plains region, further exacerbated the economic hardships faced by farmers and rural communities. Many farmers were forced to abandon their land, leading to a massive migration of people to urban areas in search of work.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, passed in 1930, was a protectionist trade policy that raised tariffs on imported goods. While intended to protect American industries, the act ultimately led to a global trade war, exacerbating the economic downturn. The act did not directly relate to the Bonus Army's march, but it contributed to the economic instability that led to the veterans' demands.

The Bonus Army's Demands

The Bonus Army, a group of approximately 17,000 World War I veterans, marched on Washington, D.C. to demand their army pension benefits. The veterans, who had served in the war, were seeking early payment of their benefits, which were scheduled to be paid in 1945. The Bonus Army's demands were not solely focused on receiving their benefits early but also on addressing the economic hardships faced by many veterans and their families.

The March on Washington

On May 29, 1932, the Bonus Army arrived in Washington, D.C., setting up a massive encampment on the outskirts of the city. The veterans, led by Walter W. Waters, a World War I veteran, marched on the Capitol Building, demanding to meet with President Herbert Hoover. The Bonus Army's presence in Washington, D.C. was a significant event, drawing national attention to the veterans' demands.

The Consequences of the Bonus Army's March

The Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. had significant consequences. The event highlighted the economic hardships faced by many veterans and their families, as well as the need for government support. The march also led to a change in government policy, with the passage of the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act in 1936, which provided for the early payment of veterans' benefits.

The Legacy of the Bonus Army

The Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. is a significant event in American history, highlighting the struggles of veterans and the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression. The event also led to a change in government policy, providing for the early payment of veterans' benefits. The legacy of the Bonus Army continues to be felt today, with many veterans' organizations and advocacy groups working to ensure that the rights and benefits of veterans are protected.

The Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. was a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the struggles of veterans and the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression. The event led to a change in government policy, providing for the early payment of veterans' benefits. The legacy of the Bonus Army continues to be felt today, with many veterans' organizations and advocacy groups working to ensure that the rights and benefits of veterans are protected.

The Bonus Army marched on Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand their army pension benefits.
The event highlighted the economic hardships faced by many veterans and their families.
The march led to a change in government policy, with the passage of the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act in 1936.
The legacy of the Bonus Army continues to be felt today, with many veterans' organizations and advocacy groups working to ensure that the rights and benefits of veterans are protected.

National World War I Museum and Memorial: www.worldwar1.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars: www.vfw.org
American Legion: www.legion.org

"The Bonus Army: An American Epic" by Paul Dickson
"The Great Depression: A Very Short Introduction" by Eric Hobsbawm
"The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act: A Protectionist Policy" by the Library of Congress

Note: The references provided are a selection of sources used in the research for this article.
The Bonus Army: A Q&A Guide to Understanding a Historic Event

The Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. in 1932 was a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the struggles of veterans and the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression. In this Q&A article, we will delve into the details of the event, answering common questions and providing insight into the context and consequences of the Bonus Army's march.

Q: What was the Bonus Army?

A: The Bonus Army was a group of approximately 17,000 World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand their army pension benefits. The veterans, led by Walter W. Waters, a World War I veteran, were seeking early payment of their benefits, which were scheduled to be paid in 1945.

Q: Why did the Bonus Army march on Washington, D.C.?

A: The Bonus Army marched on Washington, D.C. to demand their army pension benefits, which they believed were essential to their survival during the Great Depression. Many veterans and their families were struggling to make ends meet, and the early payment of benefits was seen as a way to alleviate their economic hardships.

Q: What was the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, and how did it relate to the Bonus Army?

A: The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was a protectionist trade policy passed in 1930, which raised tariffs on imported goods. While the act did not directly relate to the Bonus Army's march, it contributed to the economic instability that led to the veterans' demands. The act led to a global trade war, exacerbating the economic downturn and making it even harder for veterans to find work.

Q: What was the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act, and how did it affect the Bonus Army?

A: The Adjusted Compensation Payment Act was a law passed in 1936, which provided for the early payment of veterans' benefits. The act was a direct result of the Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. and the subsequent public pressure on the government to address the economic hardships faced by veterans.

Q: What happened to the Bonus Army after their march on Washington, D.C.?

A: After their march on Washington, D.C., the Bonus Army was met with violence by the U.S. Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur. The veterans were forced to disperse, and many were arrested or injured. The event was widely condemned, and it led to a change in government policy, with the passage of the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act in 1936.

Q: What is the legacy of the Bonus Army?

A: The Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. is a significant event in American history, highlighting the struggles of veterans and the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression. The event led to a change in government policy, providing for the early payment of veterans' benefits. The legacy of the Bonus Army continues to be felt today, with many veterans' organizations and advocacy groups working to ensure that the rights and benefits of veterans are protected.

Q: How can I learn more about the Bonus Army?

A: There are many resources available to learn more about the Bonus Army, including books, documentaries, and online archives. Some recommended resources include:

"The Bonus Army: An American Epic" by Paul Dickson
"The Great Depression: A Very Short Introduction" by Eric Hobsbawm
The National World War I Museum and Memorial: www.worldwar1.org
The Veterans of Foreign Wars: www.vfw.org
The American Legion: www.legion.org

The Bonus Army's march on Washington, D.C. was a pivotal moment in American history, highlighting the struggles of veterans and the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression. This Q&A guide provides a comprehensive overview of the event, answering common questions and providing insight into the context and consequences of the Bonus Army's march.