What major measure did the National Security Act implement?

The National Security Act, enacted in 1947, was a significant piece of legislation in U.S. history as it aimed to reorganize and streamline the nation's military and intelligence operations in the aftermath of World War II. One of its most notable accomplishments was the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The CIA was created to provide the nation with a centralized intelligence service that could gather and analyze information to support national security and foreign policy objectives. This new agency was envisioned as a response to the complexities of the global environment, particularly in the context of the Cold War, in which intelligence gathering would become paramount to national defense.

The other measures in the National Security Act also included reorganizing the Department of Defense by merging the War and Navy Departments, which was crucial for coordinating military efforts. However, the formation of the CIA stands out as a major institutional response to the recognition of the need for a robust intelligence apparatus during a period characterized by geopolitical tension and espionage.