“Look at the attack on the Bonus army...”
How about you tell me how the US Army attacked the Bonus army. Links are fine, but if you can tell me, in your own words, how the army attacked the Bonus vets on the Potomac, that will do. In fact, I’d prefer that. I’m real curious to explore the genesis of where some FReepers got this idea from.
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/snprelief4.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonus_Army
For starters.
The Bonus Army assembled (rather peacefully) to petition that the bonus promised to WWI vets be paid to them early. Gen S. Butler met with the men and their families, and showed them support.
Hoover ordered the Army and Gen. MacArthur to clear out the protesters. Using tanks, tear gas, and rifle buts they did just that. They then burned out the camp that the Bonus Army was using.
Funny thing was, that after Hoover lost the following election, Roosevelt handled the second Bonus march differently. He sent his wife to talk with them and offered them make work jobs in the CCC (great bit of PR there). My Grandfather remembered the incidents, and would talk of them from time to time. He did not have a high opinion of the Army for that and other incidents that happened during WWI.