VENDACE

See under Satmon FamuILY. maritime department, France, formed from ancient Bas-Poitou; is divided into woodland (‘Bocage’) in the E., plain in the S., and marsh in the W.; chief products, grain and wine. Pop. 1911, 438,520. Capital, La Roche-sur-Yon. Vendéan peasants during Fr. Revolution were greatly influez:.ced by priests, who accused Republicans of heresy; and on introduction of conscription they rose in insurrection. Ma acred Republicans at St. Florent and other places. Joined by Royalist nobles. Government sent three armies to Vendée. Vendéans at first sucee ful, but afterwards defeated, and ultimately were utterly routed at Savenay, 1793.