Herbert Hoover response to the Bonus Army camping out in from of the United States Capitol in July 1932
Herbert Hoover's response to the Bonus Army camping out in front of the United States Capitol in July 1932 was controversial and had long-lasting implications for his presidency.
The Bonus Army consisted of World War I veterans who were demanding early payment of a bonus promised to them for their service in the war. Due to the economic hardships caused by the Great Depression, these veterans hoped for immediate relief.
Hoover initially sympathized with the veterans' plight and ordered the War Department to provide them with food, medical care, and transportation back home. However, as the number of protesters grew and tensions escalated, he became concerned about the potential for violence and disorder.
On July 28, 1932, Hoover decided to take more aggressive action to resolve the situation. He ordered the U.S. Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur, to forcibly remove the veterans and their families from their makeshift campsites.
The eviction of the Bonus Army turned violent as the Army used tear gas and cavalry charges to disperse the protesters. The clash resulted in several injuries and the destruction of the veterans' camp.
Hoover's response to the Bonus Army came under heavy criticism from the American public and the media. Many viewed the use of force against veterans in need as heartless and insensitive.
This event severely damaged Hoover's reputation and contributed to his loss in the 1932 presidential election to Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Bonus Army incident highlighted Hoover's perceived inability to address the nation's economic crisis effectively and his detachment from the suffering of ordinary Americans.
Hoover's response to the Bonus Army remains a significant episode in American history, illustrating the consequences of governmental mishandling of a protest movement and the power of public opinion in shaping political outcomes.