Lessons from the Bonus Army: A Story of Veterans, the Great Depression, and Modern Responsibility

By

Daniel Tobias Flint

Logo by CECILIA MARIE TATTOOS

In March 1932, a group of World War I veterans known as the Bonus Army, or the Bonus Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.), marched on Washington, D.C., demanding early payment of their service bonus certificates. These certificates, initially intended as a reward for their service, were not due to be paid until 1945. However, the crushing economic hardships of the Great Depression drove these veterans and their families to take action.

The Great Depression: A Catalyst for Desperation

The Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of October 1929, was the most severe economic downturn in U.S. history. Unemployment skyrocketed to nearly 25%, leaving millions without jobs or income. Banks failed in record numbers, wiping out the savings of countless families. Farmers faced plummeting crop prices and devastating dust storms that destroyed farmland, exacerbating rural poverty. Urban areas were not spared, with breadlines and shantytowns—dubbed "Hoovervilles"—becoming stark symbols of widespread despair.

Veterans of World War I were particularly hard-hit. Having returned from the war with the promise of a brighter future, they now faced dire poverty and unemployment. The service bonus certificates, promised in 1924 and payable in 1945, represented hope for financial relief. But waiting another 13 years was unthinkable for many who were already struggling to feed their families. This desperation motivated the Bonus Army to take extraordinary measures, including marching on Washington, D.C.

The March on Washington

Throughout its history, Washington, D.C., has been a destination for demonstrators promoting a wide variety of causes. While most gatherings were peaceful, the Bonus Army’s march in 1932 became an exception.

The movement began in Portland, Oregon, where 400 veterans gathered under the leadership of Walter W. Waters. On May 17, 1932, they began their journey to Washington aboard a freight train provided by the rail authorities. After exiting the train in Iowa, they hitched rides and walked the rest of the way. Smaller groups arrived independently. By June 1, roughly 1,500 veterans and their families were in Washington.

The veterans camped in makeshift shantytowns, the largest of which was a 30-acre site on the Anacostia Flats, named Camp Bartlett after its owner, John H. Bartlett. Despite their desperate circumstances, the veterans remained determined and peaceful. Brigadier General Pelham D. Glassford, D.C.’s police superintendent, sympathized with their plight and attempted to secure funds to feed them, but his request was denied.

By mid-June, their numbers had swelled to between 10,000 and 20,000. Congress debated the issue, with the House approving a bill to pay the bonus early, only for the Senate to reject it. President Herbert Hoover also promised to veto the measure. As tensions grew, the government’s patience waned.

On July 28, the Hoover administration deployed troops led by General Douglas MacArthur, with assistance from George S. Patton, to forcibly remove the veterans. Using tear gas, bayonets, and even tanks, the military razed the shantytowns and drove the marchers away. Camp Bartlett, though on private property, was also cleared. The chaos left civilians and veterans alike reeling, with tear gas filling the streets and one veteran, William Hashka, killed in the violence. Public outcry over the government’s actions further tarnished Hoover’s reputation, contributing to his loss in the 1932 election.

The Bonus Army’s tragic confrontation remains a dark chapter in American history, illustrating the intersection of economic despair and governmental neglect.

Context Within the Great Depression and the New Deal

The Bonus Army’s struggle is a poignant lens through which to examine SS.912.A.5.11: the causes, course, and consequences of the Great Depression and the New Deal. The Great Depression left millions unemployed, including veterans who had risked their lives in service to their country. The denial of their bonus epitomized the broader economic inequalities and systemic failures of the era. Public outrage over the treatment of the Bonus Army played a role in President Herbert Hoover’s defeat in the 1932 election, paving the way for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. While the New Deal did not initially address the Bonus Army’s demands, it ultimately fostered reforms that aimed to reduce economic insecurity.

Teaching the Bonus Army in U.S. History Classrooms

Teaching the Bonus Army is essential for helping students understand the human impact of economic policies and the importance of civic action. Here are some strategies for bringing this topic to life in the classroom:

1. Primary Sources: Use photographs, newspaper articles, and testimonies from Bonus Army veterans to give students a vivid picture of their struggles.
2. Role-Playing Activities: Have students reenact the debates between veterans and government officials to explore the perspectives of both sides.
3. Documentary Viewing: Show clips from documentaries or newsreels of the Bonus Army to provide historical context and visual storytelling.
4. Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate economics by analyzing how the Great Depression’s financial hardships influenced the veterans’ demands.
5. Comparative Analysis: Compare the Bonus Army’s treatment with the support systems in place for veterans today. Discuss what has changed and what still needs improvement.

Why This History Matters Today

Teaching the Bonus Army is more than a history lesson; it is a call to action. The treatment of these veterans underscores the importance of honoring and supporting those who have served our nation. The struggles of the Bonus Army resonate with modern challenges faced by veterans, including homelessness, inadequate healthcare, and bureaucratic delays in receiving benefits. By learning about the past, students can be inspired to advocate for policies that ensure veterans are treated with the dignity they deserve.

Ways to Support Veterans Today

Educators can also use this history to engage students in community service projects aimed at supporting veterans. Here are some ideas:

• Organize fundraisers for local veteran organizations.
• Invite veterans to speak in the classroom about their experiences.
• Partner with groups like Warrior Rescue (501c3 Nonprofit) Mighty Hero Homes, Inc. GruntStyle foundation and many others to raise awareness.
• Encourage students to write letters to their elected officials advocating for veterans' rights.

The story of the Bonus Army is a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to those who serve. By ensuring that their sacrifices are met with respect and tangible support, we honor not only their service but also our shared history and humanity.

Learn More

To explore more about the Bonus Army and its historical significance, visit the National Park Service article at https://www.nps.gov/articles/the-1932-bonus-army.htm.

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