The Fronde was a series of civil wars in France that took place between 1648 and 1653. It involved a coalition of nobles, parliaments, and commoners who opposed the centralizing policies of the young king, Louis XIV, and his chief minister, Cardinal Mazarin. The conflict arose from discontent over heavy taxation and the royal authority. The term "Fronde" comes from a children's game involving slingshots, symbolizing the rebellion against the monarchy. The Fronde ultimately failed to achieve its goals, leading to the consolidation of royal power and paving the way for Louis XIV's absolute rule in France.