When President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the National Guard, it meant that the President took control of National Guard units from their respective states, placing them under federal authority. This action allowed the federal government to deploy these troops for national purposes, such as enforcing federal laws or responding to crises beyond state lines. A significant example of this occurred during the Civil Rights Movement and the Watts Riots in the 1960s. Johnson federalized the California National Guard in 1965 to help restore order during the Watts Riots, giving the federal government direct control to manage the situation more effectively. This move bypassed potential delays or conflicts with state leadership. In general, federalizing the National Guard grants the President the power to quickly mobilize troops nationwide, ensuring a unified response to emergencies, but it can also create tension between state and federal governments over control of military forces.

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