Thesis

After World War I, the government promised soldiers compensation that would be paid in the future. But the Great Depression which caused job losses meant that the soldiers needed the bonuses sooner rather than later.  They traveled to Washington, DC to begin the debate about receiving the bonuses early. They set up camp in Washington, DC. While they were able to bring public attention to their cause, the Hoover administration responded negatively, sending troops to burn down the camps. The group was still interested in the debate and returned to Washington. President Roosevelt was more diplomatic than Hoover, offering jobs and rides home.  He sent his wife to create good feelings. However, President Roosevelt was not willing to give the bonuses early.  That took Congress in 1936 who passed a bill to give them the money nine years early.