Final answer:
President Herbert Hoover responded to the Bonus Army's 1932 protest by ordering the military to disperse the World War I veterans, leading to a violent confrontation that further harmed his presidency.
Step-by-step explanation:
When former World War I veterans, known as the Bonus Army, marched on Washington in 1932 to demand early payment of their pensions, President Herbert Hoover's response was severe. Despite the economic hardship the veterans faced during the Great Depression, Hoover prioritized maintaining a balanced budget over granting immediate relief. As the veterans camped out and petitioned for their cause, Hoover ordered the U.S. military to disperse the protestors. The confrontation on July 28 led to tear gas and bayonet use against the veterans, resulting in panic, riots, injuries, and even the death of a baby. This event, known as the Bonus Army incident, significantly damaged Hoover's credibility and contributed to his loss in the subsequent presidential election.