Jacques Cathelineau

Jacques Cathelineau was a French peasant who became a prominent leader in the counterrevolutionary Wars of the Vendée (1793–1796) during the French Revolution. The region of the Vendée, where Cathelineau was from, was deeply religious and initially showed little enthusiasm for the Revolution. Discontent grew with government policies, particularly the Civil Constitution of the Clergy.1

An uprising began in March 1793, with Cathelineau joining other peasant leaders and royalist nobles. The rebels, calling themselves the Catholic and Royal Army, achieved early successes, capturing towns like Cholet and Saumur. However, they ultimately suffered significant defeats against reinforced Republican forces, leading to the end of major warfare by December 1793. While resistance continued in smaller forms, Cathelineau's role was primarily in the initial, large-scale revolt.1