Soon after World War I, the U.S. government promised its servicemen bonuses for their time in uniform, beginning in 1945. When the American stock market crashed in 1929, however, out of work veterans living through the Great Depression became desperate for relief, and by 1932 loudly demanded that their bonuses be paid immediately. Learn from historian John R. Maass how thousands of veterans marched on Washington, D.C., to plea for their pensions, and the violent reaction their protest provoked.
Dr. John R. Maass is an education specialist and historian at the National Museum of the United States Army. He received a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in early U.S. history and military history. His most recent book is “From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War” (2025).
Register for the Virtual Battle Brief on December 2 at 7 pm
This program is offered VIRTUALLY and IN-PERSON on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Museum guests may attend in-person. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the Virtual Battle Brief on December 9 at 12 pm
Register for the In-person Battle Brief on December 9 at 12 pm