What was the bonus army?
Updated: August 22, 2024Introduction to the Bonus Army
The Bonus Army was a group of approximately 43,000 demonstrators—comprising 17,000 World War I veterans, their families, and affiliated groups—who gathered in Washington, D.C., in the spring and summer of 1932. Their goal was to demand early cash redemption of their service certificates. These certificates, issued by the government as a form of deferred compensation, were not due to be paid until 1945, but the economic hardships of the Great Depression drove the veterans to seek immediate payment.
The Origins of the Bonus Certificates
In 1924, Congress passed the World War Adjusted Compensation Act, which granted veterans certificates that could be redeemed in 20 years. Each certificate was equivalent to the soldiers' service pay, plus compound interest. This was seen as a way to reward soldiers for their service, but it became a contentious issue as the economic landscape changed drastically with the onset of the Great Depression.
The Economic Context of the Great Depression
The Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of 1929, led to widespread unemployment and severe economic hardship. By 1932, the situation was dire, with unemployment rates soaring and many Americans struggling to survive. For World War I veterans, who had sacrificed much during the war, the delay in receiving their compensation became increasingly untenable.
The March on Washington
In May 1932, led by former Army sergeant Walter W. Waters, veterans began to converge on Washington, D.C. They set up camps and shantytowns, which they called "Hoovervilles" after President Herbert Hoover, whom they blamed for the economic crisis. Their encampments were a stark visual representation of their plight and desperation.
The Political Response
The veterans' demands put significant pressure on the federal government. The House of Representatives passed a bill to advance the payment of the bonuses, but the Senate rejected it. President Hoover and his administration were concerned about the budget deficit and the potential for inflation, leading to their reluctance to pay the bonuses early.
The Role of the Media
The Bonus Army received extensive media coverage, which played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Photos and reports of veterans living in squalor, along with their peaceful protests, garnered sympathy from many Americans. However, the media also captured the government's harsh response to the demonstrators, which would later have political repercussions.
The Eviction and Its Aftermath
In July 1932, under orders from President Hoover, the U.S. Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur, forcibly removed the Bonus Army from their encampments. The eviction involved the use of tanks, cavalry, and tear gas. Several veterans were injured, and two were killed. The violent dispersal of the Bonus Army was widely criticized and contributed to Hoover's declining popularity.
The Legacy of the Bonus Army
The plight of the Bonus Army highlighted the struggles of veterans and the broader issues of economic inequality and government responsibility. In 1936, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Congress finally passed legislation to pay the bonuses early, overriding Roosevelt's veto. This marked a significant victory for the veterans and underscored the power of collective action.
Rarely Known Details
While the main events surrounding the Bonus Army are well-documented, there are several lesser-known aspects that provide a deeper understanding of this historical moment:
- Women and Children in the Camps: Contrary to popular belief, the Bonus Army camps were not exclusively male. Many veterans brought their families, leading to a significant number of women and children living in the camps. Their presence added a layer of complexity to the situation, as the government's eviction efforts had to contend with the vulnerability of these non-combatants.
- Veterans of Color: The Bonus Army included African American veterans, who faced not only the economic struggles of the Great Depression but also the systemic racism of the era. Their participation in the Bonus Army highlighted the intersection of race and economic hardship in the United States.
- MacArthur's Defiance: General Douglas MacArthur, who led the eviction, reportedly defied President Hoover's direct orders to refrain from using excessive force. MacArthur's actions reflected his own belief in the necessity of a strong show of force but also set the stage for his later controversial military career.
- Psychological Impact: The experience of being forcibly removed by the government had a lasting psychological impact on many veterans. For some, it felt like a betrayal by the very nation they had served, leading to long-term distrust in the government.
A Unique Perspective on the Bonus Army
The story of the Bonus Army is not just a historical footnote but a powerful illustration of the struggles faced by veterans and the broader American public during the Great Depression. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of government policy, the impact of economic hardship, and the lengths to which individuals will go to fight for their rights and dignity.
As you reflect on the Bonus Army, consider the parallels to modern-day issues of veteran care, economic inequality, and civil protest. The events of 1932 offer valuable lessons and provoke thought on how society addresses the needs of those who have served and sacrificed.
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