#6: Hoover’s Attack on the Bonus Army (Top 10 Mistakes by U.S. Presidents)

[riky]

#6: Hoover's Attack on the Bonus Army (Top 10 Mistakes by U.S. Presidents)
      

Lesson for President Obama: Don't beat up on the unemployed.

It was 1932, and the Great Depression was three year old. President Herbert Hoover was not insensitive to the crisis, but he rejected the idea that direct financial assistance from the federal government would be helpful.

And when he sent infantry, cavalry, and even tanks against ragged, hungry WWI veterans, and their wives and children, who were seeking the bonus money promised the veterans, he confirmed a suspicion among ordinary Americans that he was heartless. He became a political pariah and paved the way for the election of Franklin Roosevelt.

Watch this video for a history and actual footage of the attack.


         

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