The Fronde was a series of civil wars in France that took place between 1648 and 1653. It involved a conflict between the French nobility and the royal authority of Louis XIV, who was a child at the time. The term "Fronde" comes from a children's game involving slingshots, symbolizing the rebellious actions of the nobles against the crown. The Fronde consisted of two main phases: the Fronde of the Parlements and the Fronde of the Nobles. The first phase was led by the Parlements, which were regional courts that opposed royal taxation. The second phase saw noble factions, including the Prince de Condé, fighting against the monarchy, ultimately leading to a consolidation of royal power under Cardinal Mazarin.