The Bonus Army’s 1932 march on Washington, composed of World War I veterans seeking early payment of their promised bonuses, ended in their dispersal by the U.S. Army. Infantry, cavalry, and tanks were deployed against the veterans and their families, resulting in injuries and two deaths. The event became a symbol of the government’s perceived indifference to the plight of its citizens during the Great Depression.
This incident had a profound impact on the public perception of President Hoover and his administration. It highlighted the growing desperation of Americans struggling with economic hardship and the government’s seemingly harsh response. The event contributed to Hoover’s defeat in the 1932 presidential election and further underscored the social and political tensions of the era. The forceful removal of the veterans also spurred debates about veterans’ rights and the appropriate role of the military in domestic affairs.
