Science Fair Project Encyclopedia The Fronde (1648–1653) was a
civil war in France, followed by the Franco-Spanish War with
Spain (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 Richelieu. At this time, Louis
XIV was king; however, he was only a child and it's probable
that his later insistence on absolutist rule and depriving the
high nobility of actual power was a result of these childhood
events. 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. Course of e