July 28, 1932
Protesters known as the “Bonus Army” who had gathered in the nation’s capital to demand an immediate lump-sum payment of pension benefits for their military service during World War I, were confronted by Federal troops (cavalry, machine-gunners, and infantry) following President Herbert Hoover‘s orders to evacuate. The veterans faced tear-gas bombs, bayonets, and tanks. Riots erupted and the veterans eventually disbanded.
