The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

THE FRONDE

The Fronde was the name given to the civil war in France between 1648 and 1653 during the Regency of Anne of Austria. The Frondeurs were opposed to the rule of Mazarin on account of his rapacity and employment of foreigners. The movement was at first led by the parliaments, which wished to regulate taxation, especially the Parliament of Paris, but their forces were defeated by Conde in 1649, and what was called the Old Fronde was brought to an end. Thereafter The Fronde resolved itself into a feud between a faction of discontented nobles headed by Conde and Mazarin, which continued with varying success, at one time Conde being imprisoned, and at another Mazarin having to retire from the capital. In the end victory rested with Mazarin, and The Fronde, which originally aimed at consolidating the powers of the Parliament and relieving the burdens of the people, had the effect of establishing more firmly the absolute monarchy of France.
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