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History of the United States II / Unit 10   USH2 1370 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds

The Bonus Army Routed

Captions available

The idea

After the Senate refused early payment in July nineteen thirty-two, Hoover ordered police to clear the veterans from federal buildings. The anchor says police killed two veterans; Digital History says two police officers and two veterans were killed as a skirmish became a riot. Hoover then sent General Douglas MacArthur, assisted by Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton, to clear the veterans from Anacostia Flats, and the army burned their camp.

In practice

Cavalry, infantry with fixed bayonets, tear gas and tanks advancing on a veterans' shantytown.

Where people slip

The two sources count the first deaths differently, and both are stated. The Yawp describes troops chasing down men and women. Three future leaders appear in this one scene: MacArthur and Eisenhower return in units twelve and thirteen. The sight of the army attacking veterans, the anchor says, sealed Hoover's defeat.

Your place on the trail

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