Bonus Army: A Chapter in American History
Who were the Bonus Army?
The Bonus Army was a group of 43,000 demonstrators who marched on Washington in mid-1932. Who made up this group?
Bonus Army Composition
The Bonus Army was made up of 17,000 U.S. World War I veterans, along with their families and affiliated groups. They gathered in Washington, D.C. to demand early cash redemption of their service bonus certificates.
The Bonus Army, also known as the Bonus Expeditionary Force, was a remarkable chapter in American history that highlighted the struggles faced by World War I veterans during the Great Depression. Let's delve deeper into the composition of the Bonus Army and the circumstances that led to their march on Washington.
The World War I Veterans
The heart of the Bonus Army was the 17,000 U.S. World War I veterans who participated in the demonstration. These brave men had served their country during the Great War and were promised a bonus for their service. However, due to economic hardships caused by the Great Depression, they were desperate for immediate relief.
Families and Affiliated Groups
Supporting the veterans were their families and affiliated groups. These individuals understood the sacrifices made by the veterans and stood by them in their quest for financial assistance. The families were often struggling themselves during the tough economic times, making the veterans' cause a unifying one for all involved.
The March on Washington
In mid-1932, the Bonus Army descended on Washington, D.C. to demand early cash redemption of their service bonus certificates. The sight of thousands of veterans, families, and supporters marching on the capital was a powerful symbol of the hardships faced by those who had served their country.
In conclusion, the Bonus Army was a diverse group united by a common cause – to seek relief during a time of economic crisis. Their march on Washington brought attention to the struggles of World War I veterans and their families, leaving a lasting impact on American history.