What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

The Whiskey Rebellion was a violent uprising of small farmers against a federal excise tax on liquor, that broke out in western Pennsylvania in 1794. It was suppressed by a federal militia army raised by President Washington.

Why was the Whiskey Rebellion important?

The Whiskey Rebellion was important because it demonstrated the ability of the federal government to enforce its laws and suppress insurrection. Controversy over the government's military response also led to increased factionalism between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.

Where did the Whiskey Rebellion take place?

Protests of the Whiskey Act took place in the western parts of every US state south of New York, but the insurrection itself took place mainly in western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

Whiskey Rebellion Timeline

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Definition

The Whiskey Rebellion was a violent uprising that occurred in western Pennsylvania in 1794, in opposition to an excise tax on liquor. After anti-tax protestors assaulted federal tax collectors and threatened to march on Pittsburgh, President George Washington (served 1789-1797) raised a federalized militia that swiftly suppressed the insurrection. The incident strengthened the authority of the United States federal government.

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