The Bonus Army Marchers

What was the Bonus Army?

The Bonus Army march was a large protest during the Depression.

Who was in the Bonus Army?

The Bonus Army marchers were a group of about 20,000 ex-First World War soldiers and their families. Many were unemployed and living in poverty.

Why did the Bonus Army march?

When they served in the First World War, soldiers were promised a bonus of a few hundred dollars in 1945. However, in 1931 they protested to try and persuade the government to pay it early, as it was desperately needed.

What did the Bonus Army do?

The Bonus Army marchers walked to Washington and set up camp on Capitol Hill, opposite Congress, and waited for the government's decision.

What did the government do about the Bonus Army marchers?

The government's refusal to give in to the Bonus Army led to the situation escalating.

• ❖ Congress refused to give the bonus early, but did give $100,000 to pay for the marchers' journeys home. Many left, but 5,000 stayed and continued to protest for their bonuses.
• ❖ President Hoover gave the marchers a deadline to leave and, when they didn't meet it, sent the police in. Two of the protesters were shot and killed.
• ❖ Hoover then sent in the army with tear gas, tanks and cavalry. The camp was flattened, 100 people were injured and a child was killed.

What were the results of the Bonus Army march?

The Bonus Army was defeated and they didn't get the bonuses, but Hoover's reputation was destroyed by the brutality that had been displayed.