THE BONUS ARMY OF AMERICA

 

The Bonus Army in America achieved its demands in 1932 by protesting with the support of the Parliament. Capitalism is anti-army and anti-people.

The Bonus Army, in the USA, was a group of 43,000 people, with 17,000 World War I veterans, their families, and supporters. They met in Washington in 1932 during the Great Depression. They demanded early payment of 'bonus', promised by the World War Adjusted Compensation Act of 1924, to pay bonus, to veterans in 1945. Unemployed and struggling veterans sought immediate payment of the bonus. Led by Walter W. Waters, the group set up encampments, shantytowns, near the Capitol and along the Anacostia River. Held peaceful demonstrations. Congress debated the bonus payment. On 28.7.1932, President Herbert Hoover ordered the Army, under General Douglas MacArthur, to disperse the protesters. The Army used cavalry, infantry, tanks, and tear gas. Forcibly evicted the Bonus Army, burnt their camps, caused injuries and deaths. The violence shocked the public, damaged Hoover’s reputation. He lost in the 1932 presidential election to Franklin Roosevelt. The Bonus Army’s demands were partially met. In 1936, Congress passed a law to pay veterans their bonus early, over President Roosevelt’s veto. This influenced future policies.