Whiskey Rebellion

The Whiskey Rebellion - Washington at Carlisle 1794

In 1794, nearly twenty years after the American Revolution, the United States was having a difficult time finding a steady source of revenue. Without this revenue, it would be impossible for the U.S. to be self-serving and truly independent. In order to create a more effective government, it was Alexander Hamilton's (who was treasury secretary at the time) idea to impose taxes as a means to revenue. He suggested an excise tax of whiskey in 1791, which enraged the producers of the product. 

The Revolutionary War had caused the United States people to be extremely of anything involving taxation. Constant paranoia was present due to fear of their personal liberties being taken away. Hamilton was also intent on the idea of central government power, which also scared the population into thinking the government would become far too powerful and as a result begin to take away their rights just as they believed the British had. However, because Hamilton had taken on war debts of other states, it was crucial for him to find a way to fun this pursuit. Taxation seemed the only way. 

The farmers in Western Pennsylvania, who earned their living through the distillation and production of Whiskey were enraged at the government for this law, and expressed their hostility. In 1794 affected farmers completely destroyed the home of a tax collector. Almost 500 men attacked his home. President George Washington after observing this alarming act of aggression from men who claimed to be fighting for "Revolutionary principles" decided to nip the rebellion in the bud. If this rebellion was treated lightly, copycats would start to occur all over the country. Even the peacekeepers he sent to negotiate with the farmers proved to be ineffectual. To permanently discourage any acts of rebellion against the government, he sent a large militia force f 13,000 troops led by Governor Henry Lee and Hamilton to quell the rebellion. This act of intimidation was indeed effective, most of the rebels had faded, and two men who were convicted of treason were later pardoned. 

Many view this rebellion as the start of solidified government power in the U.S. The relatively new government had finally shown authority.