Paris 1652

by | Mar 6, 2024 | 17th Century Maps

Click on the image to see or download the full size version.

1652 was a particularly eventful year in Paris due to political turmoil and civil war. The year was marked by significant events in the context of the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France between 1648 and 1653. The Fronde represented a reaction against the increasing power of the monarchy under Louis XIV and his minister, Cardinal Mazarin.

Battle of Saint-Antoine: On July 2, 1652, the Battle of Saint-Antoine took place in Paris between the Frondeurs (rebels against the royal power) led by the Prince of Condé, and the royalist forces of Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé. This battle is significant because it effectively ended the Fronde des nobles (the second phase of the Fronde).

Return of Louis XIV and Mazarin: Following the Battle of Saint-Antoine and the defeat of the Frondeurs, Cardinal Mazarin returned to Paris in February, and Louis XIV reentered the city on October 21, 1652, marking the return of royal power.

Closure and Reopening of Theaters: The Parisian theaters, closed since 1648, reopened in 1652. This had a significant impact on the cultural life of the city, marking a return to normalcy after several years of civil strife.

Social and Economic Impact: The Fronde caused a considerable disruption to the economic and social life of Paris. It led to a decline in commerce and caused hardships for the population, such as food shortages. However, with the end of major fighting in 1652, Paris would begin its slow recovery.

While some of these events are not exclusive to Paris, they played out significantly within the city and had profound impacts on its social, economic, and political life.