The Story Behind the Bonus Army Protest March

What was the Bonus Army protest march organized by Walter Waters about?

Choose the correct answer:

a) Demanding higher wages for veterans

b) Seeking better healthcare benefits

c) Demanding the bonus promised by Congress for retirement

Answer:

c) Demanding the bonus promised by Congress for retirement

Walter Waters organized the protest march known as the Bonus Army to demand the bonus that Congress had promised to give veterans as a retirement benefit. The protest took place in Washington, D.C. in 1932 and attracted over 20,000 veterans and their families.

The veterans, like Waters, were struggling with unemployment and financial difficulties during the Great Depression. They believed that the bonus payment would provide much-needed relief for their families. Despite the peaceful nature of the march, it eventually led to a violent clash with law enforcement, resulting in injuries and deaths.

The Bonus Army protest march highlighted the challenges faced by veterans during economic downturns and the importance of fulfilling promises made to those who have served their country.