In the summer of 1932, a group of 43,000 World War I veterans and their families known as the Bonus Army arrived in Washington D.C. demanding early payment of their promised government bonuses. They set up camp in vacant buildings and parks, hoping to pressure President Hoover into giving them their money. But when the federal government denied their claim, tensions between the veterans and the police reached a boiling point, leading to violence and chaos.
Despite their determined efforts, the Bonus Army was ultimately unable to secure their bonuses. But in the end, the legacy of their fight for fair treatment lives on, as they paved the way for future generations of veterans to advocate for their rights and demand the benefits they earned through their service to their country. Today, we honor the memory of the Bonus Army and their brave struggle for justice, and continue to support our veterans in any way we can.
The Bonus Army’s March on Washington
In 1932, the Bonus Army, a group of approximately 43,000 World War I veterans and their families, marched to Washington, D.C. to demand the early payment of a promised cash bonus. The bonus, which was supposed to be paid in 1945, was authorized by Congress in 1924 as a way to compensate veterans for their service during the war.
- The Bonus Army’s March on Washington began on May 25, 1932, when approximately 15,000 veterans and their families arrived in the capital city. Many of them had traveled for weeks, hitchhiking, riding trains, and even walking, to get there.
- The Bonus Protesters set up a camp, which they called “Hooverville,” on the banks of the Anacostia River. The camp was made up of shacks and tents, and lacked basic facilities such as plumbing and sanitation. Despite the difficult living conditions, the Bonus Army remained determined in their demand for their bonus.
- The veterans’ demands for immediate payment of the bonus gained national attention and sparked a heated political debate. President Herbert Hoover, who was facing re-election that year, was not in favor of early payment. However, Senators and Congressmen, who were also coming up for re-election, were more sympathetic to the veterans’ cause and pushed for early payment legislation.
The situation turned violent on July 28, 1932, when President Hoover ordered the eviction of the Bonus Army from their camp. Troops, led by General Douglas MacArthur, moved in and forcefully removed the veterans and their families. The eviction resulted in the death of two veterans and a baby.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 26, 1932 | The House of Representatives passes the Patman Bonus Bill, which would have authorized the payment of the bonus immediately. |
| June 15, 1932 | The Senate defeats the Patman Bonus Bill. |
| July 28, 1932 | The eviction of the Bonus Army from their camp results in the death of two veterans and a baby. |
| 1936 | Congress passes a bill authorizing the immediate payment of the bonus to veterans who had not yet received it. |
It was not until 1936, four years after the Bonus Army’s March on Washington, that Congress passed a bill authorizing the immediate payment of the bonus to veterans who had not yet received it. The Bonus Army played a significant role in bringing attention to the plight of World War I veterans and their families, and in ultimately securing the early payment of the promised cash bonus.
President Hoover’s Response
During the Great Depression, the Bonus Army was formed by veterans who gathered in Washington, DC, demanding payment of service bonuses that they had been promised for their wartime service. The veterans had expected to receive their bonuses in 1945, but due to the financial strain of the Depression, they sought early payment.
President Herbert Hoover responded by ordering the evacuation of the veterans. He felt that the march by the Bonus Army was a threat to the government and to public safety. The President hired the US Army to remove the veterans from Washington, DC, which resulted in a violent clash between the veterans and the military. Many veterans were injured during the altercation, and two veterans and one child were killed.
President Hoover’s Response
- President Hoover ordered the evacuation of the Bonus Army.
- The President believed that the march by the Bonus Army was a threat to public safety and the government.
- The US Army was hired to remove the veterans from Washington, DC, resulting in a violent clash.
President Hoover’s Response
The clash between the Bonus Army and the US Army was a public relations disaster for President Hoover. The incident was widely reported in the media and portrayed as an example of the government not keeping its promises to the soldiers who had fought for their country.
Many people criticized President Hoover for his handling of the situation. He was accused of not respecting the constitutional right of the veterans to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This event significantly damaged President Hoover’s public image and contributed to his loss in the 1932 presidential election.
President Hoover’s Response
Below is a table that shows the timeline of events related to the Bonus Army march and President Hoover’s response.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 15, 1932 | 15,000 Bonus Army veterans arrive in Washington, DC |
| July 28, 1932 | President Hoover orders the evacuation of the Bonus Army |
| July 28 – July 29, 1932 | A violent clash between the Bonus Army and the US Army results in injuries and deaths |
| November 6, 1932 | President Hoover loses the presidential election to Franklin D. Roosevelt |
The Bonus Army march and President Hoover’s response remain a key event in American history and illustrate the tensions between the government and its citizens during times of economic hardship.
The Eviction of 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 bonus they were promised. When the government failed to pay, the Bonus Army set up camps to wait for their funds, but the situation turned violent when President Herbert Hoover ordered the U.S. Army to forcefully remove them.
- The eviction took place on July 28, 1932, and was led by General Douglas MacArthur.
- The Bonus Army camp consisted of about 10,000 protesters, including families with children.
- The Army used tanks, tear gas, and bayonets to clear out the camp, resulting in two deaths and many injuries.
The eviction of the Bonus Army was a controversial moment in American history, with many criticizing the President’s use of force against veterans who were simply seeking what they had been promised. The situation highlighted the struggles that many Americans faced during the Great Depression, and the need for government support during difficult times.
The aftermath of the eviction was a public relations disaster for President Hoover, who was already facing criticism for his handling of the economy. The Bonus Army became a symbol of government neglect and the struggles of ordinary Americans, helping to shape the political and social landscape of the period.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Bonus Army marches on Washington D.C. | May 1932 |
| Camp is set up by Bonus Army protesters | July 1932 |
| Eviction of Bonus Army by U.S. Army | July 28, 1932 |
The legacy of the Bonus Army lives on, as a reminder of the struggles of ordinary Americans during one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history.
Congressional Debate on the Bonus Bill
The Congressional Debate on the Bonus Bill was a highly controversial issue during the Great Depression era. The bill was introduced to Congress in January 1932, proposing to pay a bonus to World War I veterans who had served in the United States Armed Forces. The bonus amount was set to be $1.25 for each day of service performed domestically and $1.50 for each day performed overseas. The total amount of the bonus was capped at $500.
- The supporters of the bill argued that the World War I veterans were entitled to the bonus based on their sacrifices and services to the country. They believed that the bonus would provide much-needed financial relief to the struggling veterans and their families.
- Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argued that the country could not afford to pay the bonus in the midst of the Great Depression. They believed that the payment of the bonus would worsen the already dire financial situation of the country.
- The debate over the bill continued for months, with both sides presenting their arguments and trying to win support from their colleagues. President Herbert Hoover also opposed the bonus bill, stating that the payment of the bonus would only lead to inflation and economic instability.
Eventually, in July 1932, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate rejected it. The rejection of the bill led to a massive protest by the World War I veterans in Washington, D.C., known as the Bonus Army.
The Bonus Army consisted of around 43,000 marchers, including veterans, their families, and supporters. They demanded that the government pay the bonus immediately. The protest turned violent when the police tried to evict the Bonus Army from their encampment, leading to the deaths of two veterans and two children.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1932 | The Bonus Bill is introduced to Congress |
| July 1932 | The House of Representatives passes the bill, but the Senate rejects it |
| July 28, 1932 | The Bonus Army protest turns violent |
President Hoover ordered the military to disperse the Bonus Army, which led to further violence and the destruction of their encampment. The incident damaged Hoover’s reputation and fueled public anger against his administration.
In 1936, under the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Congress passed the Bonus Act, which authorized the immediate payment of the World War I veterans’ bonus. The payment of the bonus played a crucial role in providing financial support to the veterans during the difficult times of the Great Depression.
The Impact of the Bonus Army on the New Deal
During the Great Depression, the Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans, marched on Washington D.C. to demand payment of their promised bonuses. This event had a significant impact on the New Deal policies that followed.
The Bonus Army set up camps in the capital and held peaceful protests, but the situation turned violent when the police and military were ordered to evict the veterans. The resulting clashes left several people dead and many others injured.
The New Deal policies that followed were partly influenced by the Bonus Army and their demands for better treatment of veterans and working-class Americans. President Franklin D. Roosevelt increased funding for veterans’ benefits and passed policies aimed at creating more jobs and boosting the economy.
- The Bonus Army helped to raise awareness about the plight of veterans and brought attention to the need for better government support.
- The violent response to the protests helped to galvanize public opinion in favor of the veterans and their cause.
- The government’s handling of the Bonus Army showed the need for better communication and collaboration between the government and its citizens.
Overall, the impact of the Bonus Army on the New Deal was significant. The events of that summer helped to shape government policies for years to come and highlighted the need for the government to be more responsive to the needs of its citizens.
Table: The Bonus Army Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 17, 1932 | The Bonus Army arrives in Washington D.C. |
| July 28, 1932 | The police attempt to evict the Bonus Army. |
| July 28-29, 1932 | Violent clashes leave several people dead and many others injured. |
| August 10, 1932 | President Hoover orders the military to evict the remaining veterans. |
The Bonus Army and the events that followed were a turning point in American history and helped to shape government policies for decades to come.
The Legacy of the Bonus Army
The Bonus Army, also known as the Bonus Expeditionary Force, was a group of 43,000 marchers consisting of World War I veterans, their families, and affiliated groups who protested in Washington D.C. in 1932. The group demanded early payment of cash bonuses promised to them as a result of their service in World War I. However, the group’s efforts were met with resistance, leading to violent clashes between the Bonus Army and the U.S. government.
- The Bonus Army’s legacy has been long-lasting, shaping the way the government treats its veterans.
- Many people credit the Bonus Army with pushing the government to create the GI Bill, which provided education and job training for World War II veterans.
- The Bonus Army also inspired the creation of the Veterans Administration, which later became the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Despite the Bonus Army’s impact, it took years before the group’s members received their bonuses.
In 1936, Congress passed a bill to provide World War I veterans with a bonus, but Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoed the bill. However, in 1936, Congress passed another bill creating the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act which provided the bonus to veterans of World War I, but not until 1945, when the bonus was originally due.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1932 | The Bonus Army protests in Washington D.C., demanding the early payment of cash bonuses promised to World War I veterans |
| 1936 | Congress passes a bill to provide World War I veterans with a bonus, but Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoes the bill |
| 1936 | Congress passes the Adjusted Compensation Payment Act, which provides the bonus to veterans of World War I in 1945 |
Ultimately, the Bonus Army’s persistence resulted in significant changes to the way the government supported its veterans, with its influence lasting for decades to come.
The Treatment of Veterans in the United States
The treatment of veterans in the United States has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. While there are different programs that offer assistance to veterans, there have been instances of neglect and mistreatment. Below are some of the notable events in the history of veterans’ treatment in the United States:
- Inadequate benefits for World War I veterans, such as low pensions and delayed disability claims processing
- The Bonus Army protest of 1932, in which veterans marched to Washington D.C. to demand their bonus payments for their service in World War I
- The GI Bill, which provided education, housing, and employment benefits for World War II veterans
- The VA hospital scandal in 2014, where veterans were subjected to long wait times for medical care
- The ongoing issue of homelessness among veterans, which affects tens of thousands of veterans across the United States
- The mental health crisis among veterans, which has led to high rates of suicide
- The controversy over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, which was intended to protest the treatment of black Americans and veterans
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Bonus Army Protest | 1932 protest in which World War I veterans marched to Washington D.C. to demand their bonus payments |
| GI Bill | 1944 legislation that provided education, housing, and employment benefits to World War II veterans |
| VA Hospital Scandal | 2014 scandal in which veterans were subjected to long wait times for medical care at VA hospitals |
| Homelessness Among Veterans | Ongoing issue that affects tens of thousands of veterans across the United States |
| Mental Health Crisis Among Veterans | High rates of suicide among veterans due to mental health issues |
While there have been strides made to improve the treatment of veterans in the United States, there is still much work to be done. From addressing mental health issues to providing adequate benefits and care, it is important to support and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served in our armed forces.
FAQs About When Did the Bonus Army Get Their Money
1. When did the Bonus Army protest happen?
The Bonus Army protest happened in 1932. Thousands of WWI veterans marched on Washington, D.C. to demand payment for their service certificates.
2. When did Congress pass the bonus bill?
Congress passed the bonus bill in 1924, which promised to pay WWI veterans a bonus for their service. However, the bonus was not payable until 1945.
3. When did the President veto the bonus bill?
President Coolidge vetoed the bonus bill in 1924, but Congress overrode the veto.
4. When did the bonus bill become due?
The bonus bill became due in 1945. However, in 1932, many veterans began to demand early payment due to the economic depression.
5. When did the Bonus Army disperse?
The Bonus Army disbanded on July 28, 1932, after the U.S. Army forcibly removed them from their protest campsite in Washington, D.C.
6. When did the bonus payments finally happen?
Most of the bonus payments finally happened in 1936, after Congress overrode another presidential veto. Some veterans, however, received their bonuses earlier than that.
Closing
Thank you for reading about when did the bonus army get their money. The Bonus Army protest was a significant event in American history that showcased the hardship and struggles of WWI veterans. We hope that our FAQs have helped you gain a better understanding of this event. Please come back to read other interesting articles on our website.