Question
Here is the question : IN THE 1930S, WHAT “ARMY” MARCHED ON WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Bonus
- Pension
- Salvation
- Jazz
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
World War I veterans’ bonuses were due in 1945 in accordance with a 1924 law. However, the United States saw the biggest stock market crash in history in 1929, and three years later, a large group of veterans known as the “Bonus Army” convened in Washington, D.C., to demand immediate payment. The protesters were driven out by President Herbert Hoover, and Congress eventually voted to accept the bonus payment in 1936.
Welcome, history enthusiasts! Today, we travel back in time to the 1930s—an era marked by economic hardship and social unrest in the United States. In this article, we explore a unique and compelling event that unfolded during this tumultuous period—the march on Washington, D.C., led by an unconventional “army” known as the Bonus Army. Join us as we uncover the motivations behind this extraordinary protest and examine its lasting impact on American society.
The 1930s were defined by the Great Depression, a severe economic downturn that left millions of Americans struggling with unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. Among the hardest-hit were World War I veterans, many of whom faced dire circumstances and felt betrayed by the government’s failure to fulfill a promise.
During World War I, the U.S. government had issued certificates of service, commonly known as “bonus certificates,” to veterans as a form of compensation for their wartime service. These certificates were scheduled to mature in 1945, but as the Great Depression ravaged the nation, many veterans found themselves in desperate need of immediate financial relief.
In response to their plight, a group of World War I veterans, joined by their families and supported by various veterans’ organizations, formed what became known as the Bonus Army. Their demand was simple—a one-time early payment of their bonus certificates, which they believed would provide much-needed relief during the challenging economic times.
In the summer of 1932, thousands of veterans began their journey to Washington, D.C., to make their voices heard. They set up makeshift camps near the capital, capturing the nation’s attention and drawing both sympathy and controversy.
The Bonus Army’s peaceful protest quickly gained traction, attracting media coverage and public support. As their numbers swelled, the veterans conducted marches and rallies, peacefully voicing their demands to Congress and the administration of President Herbert Hoover.
However, tensions escalated when negotiations for the early payment of bonuses failed, and President Hoover ordered the removal of the veterans from their encampments. In July 1932, federal troops, led by General Douglas MacArthur, were deployed to disperse the Bonus Army forcibly.
What transpired next was a scene of chaos and tragedy. Tear gas was used, and the encampments were set ablaze, resulting in a clash between the veterans and the armed forces. The violent confrontation shocked the nation and led to widespread criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.
While the immediate outcome of the Bonus Army’s march on Washington, D.C., was mired in controversy and tragedy, its long-term impact cannot be overlooked. The events of that tumultuous summer brought the plight of the veterans and the struggles of the American people to the forefront of national consciousness.
The public outcry over the treatment of the Bonus Army played a significant role in shaping public opinion and ultimately influencing government policies. It helped galvanize support for social welfare programs and policies aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the Great Depression.
In the years that followed, the government implemented measures to address the economic hardships faced by the American people. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and relief to millions of Americans.
Furthermore, the march of the Bonus Army paved the way for the passage of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly known as the G.I. Bill. This landmark legislation provided World War II veterans with a range of benefits, including education, housing, and business loans, laying the foundation for the post-war economic boom and transforming American society.
The Bonus Army’s march on Washington, D.C., remains a significant chapter in American history—a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals facing adversity. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the impact that ordinary citizens can have in shaping public discourse and influencing policy.
the Bonus Army’s march on Washington, D.C., in the 1930s was a defining moment in the struggle for economic justice and veterans’ rights during the Great Depression. While the immediate outcome was marred by tragedy, the event ultimately helped raise awareness of the struggles faced by the American people and contributed to the implementation of policies that brought relief and hope during a time of great hardship. The Bonus Army’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to listen to the voices of those in need and work towards a more equitable and compassionate society.