Bonus Army 1932: Veterans March on Washington — Reading Comprehension

In the summer of 1932, thousands of World War I veterans gathered in Washington, D.C., forming what became known as the Bonus Army. These veterans had served their country in a global conflict and were promised a cash bonus for their service, but the payment was not scheduled until 1945. During the Great Depression, many veterans faced unemployment and poverty, making the delayed payment a critical issue. The Bonus Army protest was a significant event that highlighted the struggles of veterans, the limits of government support, and the power of collective action.

The main problem for the veterans was economic hardship. The United States was in the midst of the worst economic crisis in its history. Jobs were scarce, and many people, including veterans, were homeless or hungry. The legislation known as the World War Adjusted Compensation Act had promised veterans a bonus, but the government insisted on paying it years later. For the veterans, waiting until 1945 was not an option. Their motivation was survival.

To address their situation, veterans organized and traveled from across the country to the nation’s capital. They built makeshift camps and peacefully demonstrated, hoping to persuade Congress to pay the bonus early. Their protest was both an act of desperation and a demand for justice. One veteran wrote, “We ask for the justice promised us when we put on the uniform.” This primary source quote shows the sense of betrayal felt by many veterans. It also reveals how they saw their protest as a continuation of their service to the country, this time fighting for economic security.

The government’s response was complex and controversial. President Herbert Hoover and many lawmakers feared that giving in to the protest would set a precedent for others to demand payments during hard times. Some saw the Bonus Army as a threat to order and stability. Others, including some members of Congress and the public, sympathized with the veterans’ plight. The debate over the bonus exposed divisions in American society over how to balance compassion for those in need with concerns about government spending.

The situation escalated when Congress refused to pass the early payment law. Hoover ordered the U.S. Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur, to remove the veterans from their camps. Soldiers used tear gas and tanks to drive out the protestors, and their camps were burned. This action shocked many Americans. Some believed the government had gone too far in using military force against its own citizens, while others supported the need to restore order. The conflict between the veterans and the government demonstrated the tension between protest and authority in a democracy.

The Bonus Army march had lasting consequences. Public opinion turned against President Hoover, contributing to his defeat in the 1932 election. It also influenced future policies about how the government treats veterans and handles protests. The event is an example of how ordinary citizens can make their voices heard, even in difficult times, but also how those in power can react in unexpected and sometimes harsh ways.

Interesting Fact: Interesting Fact: Years later, Congress finally paid the bonus, and many Americans came to view the Bonus Army as a symbol of courage and persistence in the face of hardship.

When did the Bonus Army march occur?

Who was President during the Bonus Army protest?

What did the veterans want?

Why did the veterans protest?

What was the government's main concern?

How did the government remove the veterans?

The camps were destroyed by the U.S. Army. True or false?

What does 'legislation' mean?