The Whiskey Rebellion

The Whiskey Rebellion was a violent tax protest in the United States that occurred from 1791 to 1794. Farmers in western Pennsylvania resisted a federal excise tax on whiskey, viewing it as unfair since they relied on distilling surplus grain for income. The conflict escalated, with protesters threatening tax collectors. In 1794, President George Washington responded by sending federal troops to suppress the uprising, demonstrating the government’s authority to enforce its laws. The rebellion highlighted tensions between rural and urban interests and established the federal government's ability to maintain order and implement tax policies.