---
title: "Bonus March — APUSH Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The Bonus March (1932) saw WWI veterans demand early bonus payment in D.C.; Hoover's violent response wrecked his image and set up FDR's New Deal win."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/apush/key-terms/bonus-march"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP US History"
---

# Bonus March — APUSH Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The Bonus March was a significant event during the Great Depression when thousands of World War I veterans marched to Washington, D.C., in 1932 to demand early payment of a bonus promised to them. This event highlighted the desperation and economic struggles faced by many Americans during this period, as veterans sought assistance from the government in the face of widespread unemployment and poverty.

## Related Study Guides

- [7.9 The Great Depression](/apush/unit-7/great-depression/study-guide/hI7MOeaEZFK45NrnWkxr)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Hoovervilles](/apush/key-terms/hoovervilles): Shantytowns that emerged during the Great Depression, named after President Herbert Hoover, where many homeless individuals and families lived in makeshift shelters.
- [New Deal](/apush/key-terms/new-deal): A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.
- [Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)](/apush/key-terms/civilian-conservation-corps-ccc): A public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942, providing jobs for young men and promoting environmental conservation.

### Key Facts

- The Bonus March began in April 1932 when approximately 43,000 veterans, along with their families, converged on Washington, D.C., to demand the immediate payment of their service bonuses.
- The veterans camped out in makeshift shelters near the Capitol, creating a community known as 'Bonus City' as they waited for a response from the government.
- President Herbert Hoover opposed the demands for early payment and ordered the U.S. Army to disperse the veterans, leading to violent clashes in July 1932.
- General Douglas MacArthur led the army in clearing the Bonus Marchers from their camps, using excessive force which resulted in injuries and loss of life among the veterans and their families.
- The negative public reaction to the government's treatment of the Bonus Marchers contributed to growing discontent with Hoover's administration and helped pave the way for Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies.

### How did the Bonus March reflect the broader economic struggles faced by Americans during the Great Depression?

The Bonus March exemplified the extreme hardships experienced by many Americans during the Great Depression, particularly among veterans who fought for their country yet found themselves in dire financial circumstances. As unemployment soared and poverty spread, these veterans felt abandoned by the government they served. Their march to Washington was not just a demand for bonuses but a powerful symbol of desperation and a plea for assistance during a time when many felt hopeless.

### Evaluate President Hoover's response to the Bonus March and its implications for his presidency.

President Hoover's response to the Bonus March was marked by opposition and a call for order, leading him to use military force to remove the veterans from Washington, D.C. This decision backfired severely, as images of armed soldiers clashing with veterans shocked the American public. The violent dispersal not only damaged Hoover's reputation but also fueled widespread criticism of his handling of the Great Depression, significantly diminishing his chances for re-election.

### Analyze how the Bonus March influenced public perception of government responsibility during economic crises and its impact on future policies.

The Bonus March had a lasting impact on public perception regarding government responsibility during economic crises. It underscored a growing belief that the government should play a more active role in addressing social and economic issues. The outrage over how veterans were treated contributed to a shift in political sentiment that favored interventionist policies, ultimately influencing Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal approach that aimed to provide relief and reform for struggling Americans.