Whiskey+Rebellion+1791

Sean Smart

US History- Period 1


 * Context:** During the presidency of George Washington, tax protests on a new whiskey tax began in 1791. The new nation was still trying to recover from losses during the revolutionary war and hoped this tax would help pay for the near $54 million dollars of debt. The previous government under the Articles of Confederation was unable to successfully force taxes on the people because no one respected them. Therefore, they had to borrow from other nations to meet expenses, thus accumulating more debt. Therefore, it was vital for the new government to successfully enforce taxes on the people while keeping order to avoid instability. After the Whiskey Tax, which was a tax on farmers who sold their grain as Whiskey; there was violent oppression, especially in southwestern Pennsylvania. This caused quite a stir to the point where President Washington was persuaded to use state militiamen to put down thousands of rebels who had already killed several people, including a tax collector. In late October 1794, the Federal militia entered Pennsylvania and sought out the rebels. They were able to stop the rebellion and arrested many people. Finally, the violent oppression to the Whiskey tax ended. The government was able to successfully enforce this tax and fend off anyone opposed it. In the long run, the Whiskey tax helped pay the national debt. Despite resistance, the new, stronger Federal government showed their ability to keep order in the United States.
 * Thesis:** The successful suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion proved critical in promoting national unity in the United States by giving citizens confidence in their new government under the new Constitution and proving the supremacy the government has. Citizens showed more trust and faith in the abilities of the government to ensure welfare and stability.

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Slaughter, Thomas. "The Whiskey Rebellion." //National Parks Service//. National Parks Service, 10 Aug. 2012. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. [].