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They wanted their bonuses to be payed early because congress promised them their money from the war and they hadnt gotten it yet. They felt the deserved the money now and most of them needed it because alot of war veterens were falling on hard times economically.

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Q: Why did veterans in 1945 want congress to pay their bonuses early?
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Continue Learning about American Government

Who made up the Bonus Army that marched on Washington?

After WWI, Congress votes to give veterans a bonus that will be paid in the year 1945, but in 1932 veterans march on Washington DC demanding their bonus. Thousands of veterans set up camp out side of the capital


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What president served from 1937-1945?

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What happened to the bonus army?

In 1924, a grateful Congress voted to give a bonus to World War I veterans - $1.25 for each day served overseas, $1.00 for each day served in the States. The catch was that payment would not be made until 1945. Members of the Bonus Army encamp within sight of the Capitol, 1932 However, by 1932 the nation had slipped into the dark days of the Depression and the unemployed veterans wanted their money immediately. In May of that year, some 15,000 veterans, many unemployed and destitute, descended on Washington, D.C. to demand immediate payment of their bonus. They proclaimed themselves the Bonus Expeditionary Force but the public dubbed them the "Bonus Army." Raising ramshackle camps at various places around the city, they waited. The veterans made their largest camp at Anacostia Flats across the river from the Capitol. Approximately 10,000 veterans, women and children lived in the shelters built from materials dragged out of a junk pile nearby - old lumber, packing boxes and scrap tin covered with roofs of thatched straw. Discipline in the camp was good, despite the fears of many city residents who spread unfounded "Red Scare" rumors. Streets were laid out, latrines dug, and formations held daily. Newcomers were required to register and prove they were bonafide veterans who had been honorably discharged. Their leader, Walter Waters, stated, "We're here for the duration and we're not going to starve. We're going to keep ourselves a simon-pure veteran's organization. If the Bonus is paid it will relieve to a large extent the deplorable economic condition." June 17 was described by a local newspaper as "the tensest day in the capital since the war." The Senate was voting on the bill already passed by the House to immediately give the vets their bonus money. By dusk, 10,000 marchers crowded the Capitol grounds expectantly awaiting the outcome. Walter Waters, leader of the Bonus Expeditionary Force, appeared with bad news. The Senate had defeated the bill by a vote of 62 to 18. The crowd reacted with stunned silence. "Sing America and go back to your billets" he commanded, and they did. A silent "Death March" began in front of the Capitol and lasted until July 17, when Congress adjourned. A month later, on July 28, Attorney General Mitchell ordered the evacuation of the veterans from all government property, Entrusted with the job, the Washington police met with resistance, shots were fired and two marchers killed. Learning of the shooting at lunch, President Hoover ordered the army to clear out the veterans. Infantry Troops prepare to evacuate the Bonus Army July 28, 1932 and cavalry supported by six tanks were dispatched with Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur in command. Major Dwight D. Eisenhower served as his liaison with Washington police and Major George Patton led the cavalry. By 4:45 P.M. the troops were massed on Pennsylvania Ave. below the Capitol. Thousands of Civil Service employees spilled out of work and lined the streets to watch. The veterans, assuming the military display was in their honor, cheered. Suddenly Patton's troopers turned and charged. "Shame, Shame" the spectators cried. Soldiers with fixed bayonets followed, hurling tear gas into the crowd. By nightfall the BEF had retreated across the Anacostia River where Hoover ordered MacArthur to stop. Ignoring the command, the general led his infantry to the main camp. By early morning the 10,000 inhabitants were routed and the camp in flames. Two babies died and nearby hospitals overwhelmed with casualties. Eisenhower later wrote, "the whole scene was pitiful. The veterans were ragged, ill-fed, and felt themselves badly abused. To suddenly see the whole encampment going up in flames just added to the pity." References: Bartlett, John Henry, The Bonus March and the New Deal (1937); Daniels, Roger, The Bonus March; an Episode of the Great Depression (1971).

Related questions

What were the the World War 1 veterans called that went to Washington DC in 1932?

They were called the "Bonus Army" when they marched to Washington in 1932 to press for immediate payment of the bonuses granted them under a 1924 act (the World War Adjusted Compensation Act). Although the bonuses were not to be payable until 1945, many veterans were put out of work by the Great Depression, which began in 1929, and wanted their payments early. They were evicted from their camps by the army, but in 1936 many were granted payments by Congress.


During the Great Depression President Hoover's public image was severely damaged by his?

When President Hoover ordered that the Bonus Army be dispersed in 1932, his public image was damaged. Hoover ordered that WW1 veterans, who were protesting outside federal buildings in Washington, DC be removed by soldiers of the Army. These protesting veterans were called the Bonus Army because they wanted immediate cash redemption for their service certificates. In 1924, Congress voted to give a bonus to WW1 veterans, but they needed to wait until 1945 to collect these bonuses. However, due to the Depression, many veterans were unemployed and so wanted their bonuses early.


Who made up the Bonus Army that marched on Washington?

After WWI, Congress votes to give veterans a bonus that will be paid in the year 1945, but in 1932 veterans march on Washington DC demanding their bonus. Thousands of veterans set up camp out side of the capital


What was the Bonus Expeditionary Force?

A group of unemployed war veterans from World War I seeking their immediate payment of cash bonuses that they were scheduled to receive in 1945. However, President Hoover opposed the bonus bill


What was the expeditionary force?

A group of unemployed war veterans from World War I seeking their immediate payment of cash bonuses that they were scheduled to receive in 1945. However, President Hoover opposed the bonus bill


The Bonus Army marched on Washington DC for what purpose?

WWI veterans seeking the bonus Congress had promised them. And in 1924, congress passed the adjusted compensation act,which provided for a lump-sum payment to the veterans in 1945


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