1. What is the Whiskey Rebellion? When did the Whiskey, Rebellion happen?

The **Whiskey Rebellion** was a significant uprising in the early history of the United States that highlighted the tensions between federal authority and local interests. ### **What Was the Whiskey Rebellion?** The Whiskey Rebellion was a protest against the federal government's imposition of an excise tax on distilled spirits, particularly whiskey. This tax was part of **Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's** plan in the early 1790s to stabilize and centralize the nation's finances following the Revolutionary War. Whiskey was a common medium of exchange and a vital source of income for many farmers, especially in the western frontier regions like western Pennsylvania. Farmers and distillers viewed the tax as unfair and burdensome, leading to widespread resistance. The opposition manifested in various forms, including: - **Refusal to pay the tax:** Many distillers simply stopped producing whiskey. - **Intimidation and violence:** Tax collectors faced threats, vandalism, and even violent attacks. - **Organized protests:** Communities rallied against the federal government’s authority to impose such taxes. ### **When Did the Whiskey Rebellion Happen?** The Whiskey Rebellion primarily took place between **1791 and 1794**. The most intense and decisive actions occurred in **1794**, culminating in a direct confrontation between the rebellious farmers and federal authorities. In response to the escalating violence and defiance, **President George Washington** led a militia force of about 13,000 troops to suppress the rebellion, marking the first time under the new Constitution that the federal government used military force to enforce its laws. The show of federal power successfully quelled the uprising, demonstrating the government's ability to maintain order and establish its authority. ### **Significance** The Whiskey Rebellion was crucial in establishing the precedence that the federal government has the right to levy taxes and enforce laws. It also set the stage for future discussions about federal power, states' rights, and taxation that would continue to shape American politics. --- **Key Dates:** - **1791:** Introduction of the whiskey tax as part of Hamilton's financial plan. - **1794:** Peak of the Whiskey Rebellion with significant protests and the federal response. --- By understanding the Whiskey Rebellion, one gains insight into the early challenges the United States faced in balancing federal authority with individual and local rights, a theme that has persisted throughout American history.