The term identifies a group of World War I veterans who, along with their families and affiliated groups, congregated in Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand the immediate cash payment of a bonus they had been promised. This bonus was scheduled to be disbursed in 1945. Facing the economic hardships of the Great Depression, these veterans sought early remuneration to alleviate their financial distress. Estimates of the number of participants vary, but the gathering represented a significant demonstration of economic desperation and political discontent.
This event holds considerable historical significance as a stark indicator of the widespread suffering during the Great Depression. It underscored the government’s initial inability and reluctance to address the crisis effectively. The response to the demonstration, involving military intervention to disperse the protestors, further damaged President Herbert Hoover’s reputation and contributed to his defeat in the subsequent election. The incident served as a powerful symbol of the era and shaped public perceptions of governmental responsibility toward its citizens during times of economic hardship.