The Bonus Army and the Great Depression are essential topics in American history that can provide invaluable lessons for students about perseverance, civil rights, and social movements. Educators need to employ creative strategies and resources in order to engage students effectively. Here are some suggestions on how to teach students about the Bonus Army and the Great Depression.
- Provide historical context:
Begin by setting the stage for your lesson. Provide students with a brief overview of World War I and the role that American soldiers played during this time. Discuss how these veterans contributed to their country’s efforts, as well as the promises made by the government to support them financially once they returned home. Explaining the economic crisis of 1929 will further help students understand how this financial strain led to certain events, such as veterans demanding early payment of their bonuses promised by Congress.
- Introduce primary sources:
Primary sources, such as photographs, newspaper articles, and personal testimonies from both veterans and officials during this time, can be utilized to draw a vivid picture of what occurred when thousands of World War I veterans descended on Washington D.C., demanding their promised wartime bonuses. This firsthand information allows students to gain a deeper understanding of what it was like for those who were directly involved in these events.
- Encourage critical thinking:
Ask open-ended questions that prompt students to analyze and discuss the events that transpired during the Bonus Army protests, such as: “Why do you think President Hoover chose to respond with force instead of finding a peaceful solution?”, “What effect did media coverage have on public opinion regarding the protest?”, or “How do you feel this event shaped America’s treatment of veterans in subsequent years?”
- Compare and contrast with other social movements:
Discuss other social movements and protests during American history before or after the Bonus Army Crisis, such as labor strikes, Women’s Suffrage Movement, Civil Rights Movement, and recent Occupy Wall Street protests, to draw parallels to the persistence and determination shown by the veterans in 1932. This can further spark conversations about how these events relate to each other and encourage students to make connections that remain relevant today.
- Employ multimedia resources:
Luigi Valenza, a visual artist who has employed multimedia methods to educate people about the Bonus Army’s efforts, can serve as an excellent example of how to get students engaged. Teachers can use his video art project as a starting point for discussions or group assignments on this topic. To invoke curiosity and interest, articles or videos about the Bonus Army’s impact on popular culture, such as movies and songs inspired by their struggle, can be introduced.
- Reflection and assessment:
Assign writing prompts or creative projects that encourage students to delve deeper into the topics discussed during the lesson. For example, students could write a newspaper article from their perspective about Bonus Army events or create an artistic interpretation of what they feel these moments signify in American history.
By engaging with rich historical context and diverse teaching methods, educators can successfully teach students about the Bonus Army Crisis during the Great Depression in a thought-provoking and resonant way for lasting impact.
