Final answer:
The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who demanded early payment of their bonuses. Hoover ordered the military to confront them, which resulted in riots and injuries. This incident damaged Hoover's credibility and contributed to his unpopularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bonus Army was a group of over 15,000 World War I veterans and their families who demanded early payment of bonuses due to them in 1945. They camped in Hoovervilles on the Washington mall and petitioned Congress for their bonuses. President Hoover responded to their demand by ordering the military to confront the veterans with tear gas and bayonets. This led to panic, riots, and injuries.
Hoover's response to the Bonus Army demand had a negative impact on his presidency. The media and public criticized his handling of the incident, further damaging his credibility. This incident, along with the overall economic crisis caused by the Great Depression, contributed to Hoover's unpopularity and sealed his fate as President.