The National Convention having ordered, on February 23, the conscription of 300,000 men, the first riots began in the Mauges at the announcement of the terms of recruitment.

On the March 2 and 3, young men from the canton assembled at Cholet by the district manifested their refusal to leave.

Most of the 200 National Guards defending the city were captured, as well as their three culverins, the largest of which was renamed the "Marie-Jeanne" by the peasants of Anjou; they made it a true mascot.

The victories of Cathelineau provoked the uprising of hundreds of other parishes, which joined the small army of the insurgents, notably Jean-Nicolas Stofflet.

On April 14, 1793, the republican General Leygonier occupied the city of Cholet, which would be resumed the next day by the royalists.