Fronde

:For the French feminist newspaper, see La Fronde.

Related Topics:
French - Feminist - Newspaper - La Fronde

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The Fronde (1648–1653) was a civil war in France, followed by the Franco-Spanish War (1653–1659). The word fronde means sling and referred to the pelting of windows (belonging to supporters of Cardinal Mazarin), with stones, by Paris mobs. The original goal of the "revolutionaries" was to limit the king's power and discuss various grievances; however, the movement soon degenerated into factions, some of which were attempting to overthrow Mazarin and reverse the policies of Cardinal de Richelieu. When Louis XIV became king in 1643, he was only a child, and though Richelieu had died the year before, his policies continued to dictate French policy, under his successor Cardinal Jules Mazarin. It is probable that Louis's later insistence on absolutist rule and depriving the high nobility of actual power was a result of these events in his childhood. The term frondeur was later used to refer to anyone who suggested that the power of the king should be limited, and has now passed into normal French usage to refer to anyone who will show insubordination or engage in criticism of the powers in place.

Related Topics:
1648 - 1653 - Civil war - France - Franco-Spanish War - 1659 - Sling - Cardinal Mazarin - Paris - Mob - Revolution - King - Cardinal de Richelieu - Louis XIV - 1643 - Child - Absolutist rule - High nobility - French - Insubordination - Criticism

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