Louis XIV Absolutism

The Fronde was enabled by a number of government conditions, not the least of which was that created by the ravages of the 30 Years War in which large sets of the population, particularly those engaged in martial affairs, became used to a degree of autonomy and near lawlessness. Furthermore, this sentiment was fueled by an increasing feeling of dissatisfaction in regards to the centralized power which France's government was taking. Doing so significantly added to the power of the monarchy form of government, which decreased the power and authority of the French nobility, many of whom were responsible for the ensuing civil war. In particular, an unpopular tax on the Parlement of Paris in 1648 spurred the beginning of the first Fronde, which was an attempt by the nobility to continue to enjoy the feudal system -- and its benefits -- which it had long endured...
[ View Full Essay]