The battle for the bonus: world war i veterans and the debate for adjusted-compensation

Abstract

Following World War I, veterans returned home to a country that was reaping the economic benefits of mass producing for the war effort. It became apparent to those in Congress that some sort of compensation would need to be given to those who served. In 1924, the Adjusted Compensation Act took effect that provided for a certificate of payment of a bonus to be redeemed by veterans in 1924. As the Great Depression began in 1929, a veterans' movement organized that began to demand for the early payment of the bonus. This thesis traces this story from the formation of veterans' organizations following the end of World War I in 1918 through the Bonus March of 1932. Using letters written to politicians, newspaper coverage of events, and veterans' testimony in Congressional Committee hearings, the grassroots activism of veterans is followed during these years. The study shows various opinions among veterans and organizations in regards to the payment of the bonus.