Local Diaspora

In the summer of 1932, during the great depression, approximately 17,000-25,0009 U.S. World War I veterans, their families and affiliated groups marched to Washington, D.C for a peaceful protest. This was the Bonus Army- they gathered from all around the country to demand an early cash redemption of their service certificates. The story of the bonus army underscores the power of grassroots organizing- and what happens when people come together to fight for justice. In this podcast we'll dive into the origins of the Bonus Army, learn exactly what it was they were demanding all while painting a clear picture of the political, social and economic circumstances of the times. We’ll also explore the systemic changes that followed the actions of the Bonus Army and examine the US government's handling of the veteran activists. All this and more on Popular Education Radio! Sources: www.gilderlehrman.org/, Smithsonian Magazine, Foundation for, economic education, National Parks services, Gilder Lehrman Institute of Ame