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Legislation

Wilson signs the National Defense Act of 1916

President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Defense Act on June 3, 1916, expanding the Regular Army and National Guard, creating reserve components, and authorizing expanded military training programs (including provisions that led to ROTC).

The act modernized and partially federalized U.S. military organization and preparedness, creating the legal and institutional framework that enabled rapid mobilization during World War I.

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