Following the expulsion of French forces from Malta in 1800, the British established a new governance model to ensure stability on the island. British Civil Commissioner Alexander Ball was a pivotal figure during this transition, advocating for a structured form of governance that would secure British interests in Malta. The Maltese National Congress had previously formed military battalions, constituted by local volunteers aiming to restore and maintain order in a newly liberated region. However, as Ball assessed the political landscape, he recognized the need to centralize authority and eliminate military factions that could threaten British control. On November 9, 1800, he enacted orders to disband these battalions, underscoring a definitive shift in Malta's political dynamics from local self-governance to direct British oversight.

This decision not only marked the end of an era for local military organization but also highlighted the British government's approach to colonial management. By dismantling the National Congress battalions, Ball aimed to prevent the rise of nationalist sentiments that could emerge in opposition to British rule. His directive served as a powerful statement that the island's governance was transitioning from cooperative local leadership to a more restrictive and controlled system under British colonial frameworks.