Hoover Orders Eviction of Bonus Army Veterans
July 28th, 1932
July 28th, 1932

How Long Ago?
92 years, 7 months, 15 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
World War I
People
- Douglas MacArthur
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- George S. Patton
- Herbert Hoover
Links & References
Tags
Hoover Orders Eviction of Bonus Army Veterans
The Bonus Army, consisting of World War I veterans marching for early payment of their service bonuses, was forcibly removed from their camp in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Army. Under President Herbert Hoover's orders, troops led by General Douglas MacArthur confronted the veterans, leading to violent clashes and the destruction of their makeshift camps, which had been a protest site for several months. This dramatic action drew national attention to the plight of veterans during the Great Depression.
Over 43,000 veterans camped in Washington, D.C.
They demanded early payment of service bonuses.
Troops used tear gas during the eviction.
The incident damaged Hoover's public image.
What Happened?
The Bonus Army was composed of approximately 43,000 World War I veterans, many accompanied by their families, who gathered in Washington, D.C., in the spring of 1932 to demand early payment of a bonus that had been promised to them in 1924 but was not due until 1945. As the Great Depression worsened, these veterans found themselves in desperate economic conditions and sought to pressure the federal government for immediate payment. By July, the group had established a sizable encampment known as ‘Hooverville’ across the Anacostia River. Tensions had been high, and President Herbert Hoover viewed the gathering as a potential threat to public order. On July 28, he ordered the U.S. Army to disperse the Bonus Army, leading to a well-documented confrontation. General Douglas MacArthur, along with Major Dwight D. Eisenhower and General George S. Patton, led troops in the eviction, which involved aggressive tactics including tear gas and bayonets against the unarmed veterans and their families.
The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in multiple injuries among the veterans and several deaths. The army burned the veterans' camps, leading to further outrage across the nation. This action not only highlighted the challenges faced by veterans during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression but also illustrated the broader societal tensions of the era. The images of the military confronting veterans shocked the American public and sparked protests and debates about the government's treatment of its War heroes. As a result, the Bonus Army incident remains a pivotal moment in understanding the relationship between the government and its citizens during periods of economic distress.
In the aftermath, the veterans' demands gained sympathy, eventually leading to legislative changes regarding veterans' benefits. However, the event severely damaged Hoover's reputation, as many citizens perceived the military response to a peaceful protest as excessive and indicative of the ineffectiveness of his administration in addressing the needs of Americans during a time of crisis.
Why Does it Matter?
The eviction of the Bonus Army is notable for its impact on public perception of the federal government. It raised significant questions about the government's responsibility towards veterans and influenced subsequent policies regarding veterans' compensation. This event marked a critical moment in the shift of societal attitudes toward government intervention in economic hardship and the care of veterans, ultimately affecting future administrations.
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