Final answer:
The Bonus Army, composed of World War I veterans, demanded early payment of their bonuses during the Great Depression but were met with governmental refusal and military intervention, resulting in public outcry and eventual passage of legislation for early bonus payment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bonus Expeditionary Force/Bonus Army
The Bonus Expeditionary Force, also known as the Bonus Army, was a group of about fifteen thousand World War I veterans who marched on Washington D.C. in the spring of 1932. They were advocating for the early payment of their veteran bonuses, which were originally scheduled for payment in 1945. Amidst the economic hardship of the Great Depression, the Bonus Army set up camps near the Capitol building and persisted in their demands. President Herbert Hoover, maintaining a principle of budgetary balance, declined their request, which led to a series of unfortunate events that further marred his presidency.
The situation escalated when, on orders from President Hoover, the military used tear gas and bayonets against the veterans in an attempt to disperse their encampment. This confrontation resulted in panic, riots, injuries, and the tragic death of a baby. The harsh response received widespread criticism from the media and the public, further tarnishing Hoover's reputation.
In subsequent years, neither President Hoover nor his successor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, initially agreed to meet with the veterans to discuss the early payment of bonuses. However, after a veto from Roosevelt on a bill for early payment, Congress still passed the bill without his signature, finally granting the veterans their due.