how did washington respond to the whiskey rebellion course hero

By 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion

threatened the stability of the nascent United States and forced President Washington

George Washington

George Washington was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He led Patriot forces to victory in the nation's War for Independence. He presided at the Constitutional …

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to personally lead the United States militia westward to stop the rebels. By 1791 the United States suffered from significant debt incurred during the Revolutionary War.

Full Answer

How did the federal government respond to the Whiskey Rebellion?

The federal response to the Whiskey Rebellion was widely believed to be a critical test of federal authority, one that Washington’s fledgling government met with success. The whiskey tax that inspired the rebellion remained in effect until 1802.

Who was involved in the Whiskey Rebellion?

Alexander Hamilton. The Whiskey Rebellion was a response to the excise tax proposed by Alexander Hamilton, who was Washington's Secretary of the Treasury in 1791.

Why did Washington send troops to quell the rebellion?

Following years of aggression with tax collectors, the region finally exploded in a confrontation that resulted in President Washington sending in troops to quell what some feared could become a full-blown revolution.

How did the Whiskey Rebellion affect the election of 1802?

Opposition to the whiskey tax and the rebellion itself built support for the Republicans, who overtook Washington’s Federalist Party for power in 1802. The Whiskey Rebellion is considered one of the first major tests of the authority of the newly formed U.S. government.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

Sources. The Whiskey Rebellion was a 1794 uprising of farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania in protest of a whiskey tax enacted by the federal government. Following years of aggression with tax collectors, the region finally exploded in a confrontation that resulted in President Washington sending in troops to quell what some feared could ...

When did George Washington start the whiskey tax?

In 1791 Washington journeyed through Virginia and Pennsylvania to speak with citizens about their views. Local government officials met the idea of a whiskey tax with enthusiasm, and Washington took this assurance back to Congress, which passed the bill.

Why did Lenox and Neville come to Bower Hill?

The men claimed that Lenox needed to come with them because there was a threat to his life.

Why was the Whiskey Tax Law a failure?

Whiskey Tax Violence. The law was immediately a failure, since refusals to pay the taxes were as common as intimidation against officials hired to collect them. Excise officers sent to collect the tax were met with defiance and threats of violence. Some producers refused to pay the tax. Perhaps inevitably, violence broke out.

What was the opposition to the whiskey tax?

Opposition to the whiskey tax and the rebellion itself built support for the Republicans, who overtook Washington’s Federalist Party for power in 1802. The Whiskey Rebellion is considered one of the first major tests of the authority of the newly formed U.S. government.

Why did the US government put a tax on whiskey?

In 1790 Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton pushed for the federal government to take over that debt. He also suggested an excise tax on whiskey to prevent further financial difficulty.

What happened to Benjamin Wells?

Incidents escalated over the next few years. In 1793, the home of Pennsylvania excise officer Benjamin Wells was broken into twice. The first time, a mob of people forced their way in and assaulted Wells’ wife and children. The second incident involved six men in disguises who attacked Wells while he was at home.

Who was the leader of the Whiskey Rebellion?

Alexander Hamilton. The Whiskey Rebellion was a response to the excise tax proposed by Alexander Hamilton, who was Washington's Secretary of the Treasury in 1791. Learn More. Historic Site.

Who was the first president to repeal the excise tax on whiskey?

Two men, John Mitchell and Philip Weigel, were found guilty of treason, though both were pardoned by President Washington. By 1802, then President Thomas Jefferson repealed the excise tax on whiskey. Under the eye of President Washington, the nascent United States survived the first true challenge to federal authority.

What was the Proclamation of 1792?

In 1792, he issued a national proclamation admonishing westerners for their resistance to the "opera tion of the laws of the United States for raising revenue upon spirits distilled within the same.". 2 However, by 1794 the protests became violent.

How many men did Washington have to lead the militia?

Left with little recourse and at the urgings of Secretary Hamilton, Washington organized a militia force of 12,950 men and led them towards Western Pennsylvania, warning locals "not to abet, aid, or comfort the Insurgents aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at their peril.". 3.

Who proposed the excise tax?

In January 1791, President George Washington 's Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton proposed a seemingly innocuous excise tax "upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same.". 1 What Congress failed to predict was the vehement rejection of this tax by Americans living on the frontier ...

Who owned Friendship Hill?

This historic house is owned by the National Park Service. Learn More. In January 1791, President George Washington 's Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton proposed a seemingly innocuous ...

Is the Washington Library open to scholars?

The Library of the First President. The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only. About the Library Research Fellowships The Papers of George Washington Library Events & Programs Leadership Institute Center for Digital History George Washington Prize.