[1] Under Combes, who described his policies as a "secular campaign," the effort to curb the Catholic Church's influence in education reached its peak.

A commission led by Ferdinand Buisson was established, and animated debates took place between February 29 and March 28, 1904.

Article 5: By judgment of the tribunal in the jurisdiction of the mother house, upon the request of the public prosecutor, the liquidator—appointed immediately after the promulgation of the law—shall inventory the assets of the congregations, which may not be rented or leased without his consent.

[4] The law applied to all levels of education—primary, secondary, and higher—and all types of schools, including professional, agricultural, and artistic institutions.

[9] Additionally, an amendment by Georges Leygues allowed congregations to continue operating overseas if they contributed to France's international influence.