The Charter of the French Language, known as Bill 101, was adopted by the National Assembly of Quebec to address the linguistic and cultural identity of the province. Through this legislation, the government sought to promote the French language as the predominant language in Quebec, following a period marked by increasing concerns over the decline of French in public life. This initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the French language and the culture associated with it, recognizing the unique linguistic heritage of Quebec within Canada.

The Charter introduced a variety of provisions that mandated the use of French in education, government, and commerce, ensuring that French would be the language of instruction in schools. It also instituted the requirement for commercial signage to be predominantly in French, thereby shaping the public sphere to reflect the linguistic demographics of the province. These measures were significant given the historical context of Quebec's struggle for cultural recognition amidst a predominantly English-speaking Canada.

The passing of Bill 101 was met with both support and resistance. Many Francophones viewed the legislation as a necessary step to safeguard their language and identity, whereas English-speaking Quebecers and other minority groups expressed concerns over language rights and potential cultural alienation. The intense debate surrounding the Charter highlighted the ongoing linguistic tensions within Quebec, which have persisted throughout its history and continue to influence the province's social and political dynamics.