The Reenlistment Bonus Army: A Fight for Justice and Economic Relief

Introduction

The Reenlistment Bonus Army was a group of American World War I veterans who marched to Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand payment of a bonus promised to them by the government. The movement began during the Great Depression, a time of widespread economic hardship and unemployment.

The Bonus Certificate and Its Effects

In 1924, Congress passed the Adjusted Compensation Act, which authorized payments to eligible veterans in the form of bonus certificates. These certificates were redeemable in 20 years, but they could be sold for a discounted value. Many veterans, desperate for cash during the Depression, sold their certificates.

However, the Bonus Act also included a provision that the government could pay the bonuses early if there was a "national emergency." In 1932, with the Depression at its peak, veterans argued that the economic crisis constituted a national emergency and demanded immediate payment.

The March to Washington

In May 1932, thousands of veterans began converging on Washington, D.C., to lobby for their demands. They camped in makeshift encampments around the capital, forming the Bonus Army.

Government Response

The government's initial response to the Bonus Army was supportive. President Herbert Hoover welcomed the veterans and provided them with food and shelter. However, as the weeks went by, the government's attitude changed. Hoover became concerned about the growing size and militancy of the Bonus Army.

The Battle of Anacostia Flats

On July 28, 1932, police and federal troops were ordered to clear the Bonus Army from its camp in Anacostia Flats, a park near the Capitol. The veterans resisted, and a violent clash ensued. Two veterans were killed, and several injured. The Bonus Army was forced to disperse, and the march on Washington was effectively ended.

The Aftermath

The Battle of Anacostia Flats sparked outrage across the country. The public was sympathetic to the plight of the veterans, and the government's harsh response was widely condemned.

The Bonus Army movement ultimately failed to secure immediate payment of the bonuses. However, it played a significant role in raising awareness of the plight of veterans during the Depression. It also helped to shape the government's response to future veterans' benefits programs.

Effective Strategies

The Reenlistment Bonus Army employed several effective strategies to raise awareness of their demands:

• Effective Communication: The veterans effectively communicated their message through personal stories, speeches, and press releases. They also organized rallies and parades to garner public support.
• Political Pressure: The Bonus Army exerted political pressure on Congress and the President by camping near the Capitol and lobbying lawmakers. They also used social media and letters to the editor to amplify their voices.
• Public Sympathy: The veterans' desperate situation and their willingness to stand up for their rights resonated with the public. Their march to Washington and the subsequent clash with the government generated widespread sympathy and support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Reenlistment Bonus Army also made some mistakes that could have been avoided:

• Lack of Unity: The veterans' movement was divided into several factions with different goals and strategies. This lack of unity weakened their negotiating position and made it easier for the government to dismiss their demands.
• Unrealistic Expectations: The veterans initially demanded immediate payment of the bonuses, which was unrealistic given the government's financial constraints. Had they been willing to negotiate and accept a scaled-down or phased-in payment plan, they may have been more successful.
• Confrontational Tactics: The veterans' decision to forcibly resist the government's order to clear their camp led to the Battle of Anacostia Flats. This confrontation damaged their image and made it more difficult to gain public support for their cause.

Why It Matters

The Reenlistment Bonus Army movement was a significant event in American history for several reasons:

• Economic Relief: The Bonus Army brought attention to the plight of veterans during the Great Depression. It helped to raise awareness of the need for government programs to provide economic relief and support to those who had served their country.
• Veterans' Benefits: The Bonus Army's efforts helped to shape future veterans' benefits programs. The passage of the GI Bill in 1944, which provided educational and housing assistance to World War II veterans, was partly influenced by the Bonus Army movement.
• Political Activism: The Bonus Army demonstrated the power of collective action and political activism. It showed that veterans could effectively organize and advocate for their rights and interests.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits of the Bonus Army Movement:

• Raised awareness of the plight of veterans during the Great Depression
• Contributed to the development of future veterans' benefits programs
• Demonstrated the power of collective action and political activism

Drawbacks of the Bonus Army Movement:

• Lack of unity within the movement
• Unrealistic expectations regarding immediate payment of bonuses
• Confrontational tactics that damaged the movement's image

Conclusion

The Reenlistment Bonus Army was a complex and multifaceted movement that played a significant role in American history. It highlighted the economic hardships faced by veterans during the Great Depression and helped to shape future veterans' benefits programs. While the movement ultimately failed to secure immediate payment of the bonuses, it raised awareness of the plight of veterans and demonstrated the power of collective action.

Tables

Table 1: Bonus Certificate Statistics

Table 2: Bonus Army Demographics

Table 3: Government Response to the Bonus Army