The Bonus Army Camp before it was Destroyed
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The Bonus Army Camp before it was Destroyed
The eviction of the Bonus Army from Washington: part of the camp of ramshackle huts before it was cleared and burnt. The veterans demands for payment of a war bonus were rejected by Congress, and the camp razed, followed by violent retributions
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Media ID 4420351
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10410639
1932 Bonus Evicted Eviction Huts Protest Shanty Veterans Washington
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this poignant photograph, the makeshift homes of the Bonus Army camp, nestled along the Anacostia Flats in Washington D.C., stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of American veterans before their eviction in 1932. The Bonus Army, also known as the Bonus Expeditionary Force, was a group of World War I veterans who traveled to the nation's capital to demand early payment of their bonus certificates, which were promised to them as compensation for their service but were not scheduled to be paid until 1945. The camp, established in May 1932, grew to house thousands of veterans and their families, who endured harsh living conditions in the makeshift shanty huts. Despite their peaceful intentions, their demands for immediate payment were met with rejection by Congress. Tensions escalated, and on July 28, 1932, President Hoover ordered the military to clear the camp. The eviction resulted in violent clashes between the veterans and the military, leaving numerous injuries and fatalities. This image, taken before the camp was razed, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Bonus Army. The huts, constructed from various materials such as scrap wood, tar paper, and tin, are a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the veterans. The camp's communal kitchen, visible in the background, demonstrates the sense of camaraderie and unity among the veterans. The Bonus Army's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American veterans and the importance of standing up for one's rights. The eviction and its aftermath marked a turning point in American history, leading to increased public support for veterans' causes and eventual passage of the Bonus Act in 1936, which granted the veterans their long-awaited bonuses.
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