Mayor Thompson initially resisted calling in the National Guard, believing the city could handle the violence, but mounting pressure forced him to request troops.

"We solemnly call on the mayor of our city and the governor of our state ... to stop the wholesale of defenseless people, even if it is necessary to use the whole militia to do so. We feel that these two officials of our government are responsible, because the state militia and the police force are under them and will obey whatevery orders are given by their chiefs."

(African American community as quoted from William M. Tuttle Jr., 1972, Race Riot: Chicago in the Red Summer of 1919)

"Unless the militia is called and the entire south side put under martial law, the race riots of Chicago will make those of East St. Louis look like a pygmy."

(Michael Gallery as quoted from William M. Tuttle Jr, 1972, Race Riot: Chicago in the Red Summer of 1919)

After a city council meeting, 20 out of 25 aldermen supported calling the militia. On July 30th, Mayor Thompson asked Governor Lowden to send troops.

The National Guard, trained for riot control and experienced from World War I, helped restore order by stopping fights and protecting people.

"They went into a district where murder, arson, and anarchy existed for four days and brought peace and quiet."

(Governor Frank Lowden, as quoted from "Chicago 1919: a Racial Tinderbox, 2014, Chicago Tribune​​​​​​​)