The Law of Association was a significant legislative measure initiated by the French government to curb the influence of religious orders, primarily Catholic, in public affairs and education. The law mandated that any new monastic order must obtain official authorization from the government prior to its formation. This was in line with the growing anti-clerical sentiment in France, particularly among the Republican factions that saw the Church as an obstructive force against secularism and modernity. The backdrop of this legislation includes France's historical struggles with religious authority, including the tensions stemming from the French Revolution and subsequent movements that advocated for a secular state. The law not only impacted the establishment of new religious communities but also reinforced the state's role in regulating religious entities, raising significant discussions about the balance between church and state. The government aimed to foster a more secular society by limiting the power of institutions perceived to be aligned with reactionary forces against the Third Republic.