Now, the first
Fronde was a conflict between the Parliament and the Bourgeoisie, who rose in arms against the machinations of Cardinal Mazarin, Richelieu's successor and drove him, the Queen Regent Anne of Austria and the Nobles from Paris in 1648, barricading themselves at Paris. Luckily for Mazarin and Co., the
Prince of Conde was just returning from the Spanish front at the Netherlands, victorious from the
battle of Lens, thanks to the Treaty of Westphalia.
Despite Condé's scorn for the Bourgeoisie and his royal birth, he had been also been a victim of Mazarin's intrigues, who was jealous of Conde's power, riches, noble birth, popularity or whatever. In addition, the other best General in France,
Turenne as well as Conde's brother, Conti.
What if Turenne had been able to go to Paris and talk to his brother, convincing him to join the Fronde against Mazarin? Now the two best Generals of France are joined with the Parliament, many nobles and the Bourgeoisie against Mazarin and half the nobility, not to mention Queen Anne.
Could this lead to a victory of the Fronde, an earlier exile of Mazarin and perhaps a Parliamentary Monarchy in France before Louis XIV reaches the Majority?