1. The Bonus Army

2. Promises Not Kept
After WWI, Congress promised a bonus to all war veterans
Payment was postponed until 1945

3. Hard Times For Veterans
By 1932, many veterans were desperate for money
They began demanding that congress give them there promised money
Congress introduced a bill to provide the needy veterans with immediate payment

4. Hoover’s Motives Hoover’s administration opposed Congress’ bill
Members of Hoover’s cabinet said the expenditures would unbalance the budget and favor veterans over other needy citizens

5. “The Bonus Army”
In June 1932, 22,000 veterans from all over converged on Washington D.C.
Many made their journey by hopping freight trains, hitchhiking, and driving beat up cars
The Bonus Army set up camp across the Anacostia River near the Capitol

6. Their Number One Goal
Their goal was to pressure Congress into passing the bill

7. The End of the Protest
The Bonus Army was an embarrassment to President Hoover
In Washington D.C., the protesters were an undeniable reminder of the hard times Americans were going through
The bonus bill was defeated, but Congress authorized a $100,000 for transportation home to the protesters

8. The Aftershock
The U.S. government called the protesters Communists and hoodlums
Government officials tried to evict many protesters from an abandoned Treasury Dept. building where they were staying
Their actions turned into a brawl, and two veterans were killed
With Hoover’s approval the U.S. Army was brought in, led by D. MacArthur and D. Eisenhower