The contradictions of exile

That so much of Jewish rabbinic leadership in the 17th century was susceptible to Sabbateanism and Frankism indicates how early in modern history the rabbinic regime had in fact begun to decay. 

Lurianic kabbalah struggled with the interminable exile while Sabbateanism promised its termination. 

Chassidism was a response to the failure of Sabbateanism. Mitnagdut was a defense against the innovations of Chassidut. 

All these forces stemmed from the contradictions of exile.