The National Defense Act of 1916, Pub.L. 64–85, 39 Stat. 166, enacted June 3,1916<span>, was a federal law that updated the Militia </span>Act<span> of 1903, which related to the organization of the military, particularly the </span>National<span> Guard.</span>
They empowered the federal government to prevent voting rights discrimination at the state level; it also resulted in an increased number of minority voters and black participation in the political process.
- did not fear the spread of emancipation or slave uprisings
- were sympathetic to Louverture and the revolt against French rule
