The ‘Bonus’ marchers, particularly, were a group of former soldiers who fought in the First World War. Research indicates that these veterans were, in 1924, rewarded with certificates that could be redeemed in 1945 (USHistory.org, n.d.). Unfortunately, the depression led to a massive loss of jobs and wealth, affecting these servicemen. By 1932, many had suffered grave consequences (USHistory.org, n.d.). The ‘Bonus’ marchers, therefore, wanted their war bonuses to be paid early because of the effects of the depression. The army of 45,000 World War I veterans marched to Congress in the hope that their bonds for the loss suffered during the war would be immediately honored if they made a presence in Washington D.C ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 1 , 2009). Their hopes, unfortunately, were not immediately realized.
In spite of the above, President Herbert Hoover was against paying the marchers their bonus because he believed that the group posed a threat to national security. Research indicates that Hover felt the group was dominated by political anarchists, agitators, and communists (USHistory.org, n.d.). Consequently, he reacted by ordering them out of the city: The army regiment led by General MacArthur forced the ‘Bonus’ marchers to flee, amidst protests from the public (USHistory.org, n.d.). The intervention of the army, nonetheless, occurred after attempts by the police to evict the marchers turned sour, leading to gunshots and death ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 2 , 2009). Hoover’s support greatly declined after this.
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The Communist Party of America, Douglas MacArthur, and the U.S Army played a significant role in this event. Particularly, Hoover felt that that the marchers were dominated by ‘communist elements’: Members of the Communist Party had infiltrated the marchers (Wang, 2010). Douglas MacArthur and the U.S Army further played essential roles in the war. As noted above, MacArthur reacted under the orders of Hoover and after the failure of the police to evict the marchers, leading the army to force the ‘Bonus’ marchers to flee. It is further indicated that the army responded with tanks, cavalry, and infantry, and that afterwards, MacArthur instructed that the shanty settlements be destroyed: ‘The troops set fire to the marcher’s shacks, so big it was like a nightmare come to life ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 2 , 2009)’. Notably, ‘MacArthur knew exactly what he was going to do. The soldiers were forced out of their (shanties) by smoke fire and tear gas ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 2 , 2009).’
MacArthur justified the treatment of the marchers above by arguing that the country was facing a possible communist revolution ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 2 , 2009). His reaction, thus, was in the attempt to stop the possibility of having the government overthrown. The sentiments may have further been backed by the President’s comments noted above (That the Bonus Army was infiltrated by ‘communist elements.’ In spite of the above, Wyatt Kingseed felt that MacArthur did not pay attention to his aides when advised against the move and was, thus, irrational in his actions. It is arguable that the Bonus Army did, in fact, consist of genuine war veterans and not revolutionary communists.
Hoover and his political opponent, Franklin Roosevelt, differed in their treatment of the marchers. Interestingly, Roosevelt is elected president after a strong desire for change contributed to by the inhumane treatment of the war veterans. Immediately after his election, Roosevelt approves the Economy Act to pay, among others, disabled veterans ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). Roosevelt acknowledges that he cannot use force against the veterans, different from the Hoover’s reactions, in spite of their persistent presence in the US ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). Roosevelt, thus, does not view this group as a threat to be extinguished, but one in need. During Roosevelt’s tenure, the veteran’s bonus becomes law and they are fully compensated ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). Roosevelt admits that soldiers serving in the army should be compensated for lost opportunities: This leads to the signing of the GI bill of rights in 1944 ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). President Roosevelt, thus, contributes to significant changes realized from President Hoover’s failures.
The Bonus Army had important legacies visible in marches that followed to date: veterans returning from war expect promises to be honored ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). Among these was the desire for a new American system that recognized the vital role of war veterans and how to treat them better. A few months after they are driven out of Washington, they further inspire a song, ‘ Brother Can You Spare a Dime ’, capturing the desperation that represented the march ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). Eventually, driven by the strong desire for change, Roosevelt is elected president. Moreover, political leaders learn the vital role of responding to individual needs of Americans ( March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 , 2009). In this regard, it is essential to acknowledge that the Bonus Army contributes to a series of events that eventually lead to important changes in the history of America. The Bonus Army photograph was placed on the cover of ‘Flyover History’ in recognition of these legacies. Interestingly, the Bonus Army presents new perspectives on the shaping of American laws, particularly as I had only briefly encountered the term before in History class discussions.
References
March of the Bonus Army - Part 1 [Video file]. (2009, March 5). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiMuzkpT8Xs
March of the Bonus Army - Part 2 [Video file]. (2009, March 5). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlegmV5OJtM&NR=1
March of the Bonus Army - Part 3 [Video file]. (2009, March 5). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13NlsmLODc&feature=related
USHistory.org. (n.d.). The Bonus March [ushistory.org] [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/us/48c.asp
Wang, S. (2010). By Proxy of His Black Hero:" The Bonus March"(1932) and Eitarō Ishigaki's
Critical Engagement in American Leftist Discourses. American Studies , 51 (3/4), 7-30.
