"The Bonus Army March: Forgotten Heroes of the Great Depression"

"The Bonus Army March: Forgotten Heroes of the Great Depression". In this lesson, 7th-grade students will uncover the lesser-known story of the Bonus Army March during the Great Depression. They will learn about the hardships faced by World War I veterans, including unemployment and poverty, and how their demands for early payment of promised bonuses led to a historic protest in Washington, D.C., in 1932. Students will explore the government's response to the march and its consequences, including the eviction of the veterans' encampments by the U.S. Army. They will gain insights into the broader context of the Great Depression and the challenges faced by many Americans during this period. By the end of this exploration, students will have a deeper appreciation for the struggles of veterans, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the importance of support systems for those who have served their country.