Soldiers returning home from WWI were promised bonuses in the form of certificates, redeemable 27 years after the war’s end. However, the Great Depression struck the country 11 years after the war, leading to mass unemployment and poverty.

On this day in 1932 — three years into the Depression — 17,000 veterans plus wives and children, totaling over 40,000 — camp outside Washington D.C., agitating for an early disbursement of bonuses. The Senate votes and rejects the demonstrators’ demands. D.C. police attempt to clear the camp, open fire, and kill two vets. President Hoover sends in the Army.

Thinking the Army presence is in their support, veterans rally, but soon find bayonets, tanks and teargas turned on them. Against Hoover’s orders, the Army enters the camp and burns it down.