What was the excise tax on?
Whiskey
How did Americans like the excise tax on whiskey?
Many Americans didn't like it
Why did Americans dislike the excise tax?
Whiskey was easier to transport than grain and more profitable
Why was it good that whiskey was easier to transport?
There were not very many good roads connecting the west and the east
Which farmers, in particular, were upset?
Farmers in Western Pennsylvania
What did farmers in Western Pennsylvania do about the excise tax?
They refused to pay it
What happened in Western Pennsylvania when government agents were sent to collect the tax?
They were attacked by gangs of angry farmers
Why did Washington feel the need to make the farmers pay the tax?
He realized a government that could not enforce the laws it made would not be respected. He knew people could not be able to choose which laws they wanted to follow.
What did Washington issue a proclamation saying?
He ordered farmers to return to their homes and called out the militia of several states
What did Washington do to force the farmers to pay the tax?
He himself led an army of 13,000 soldiers into western Pennsylvania and forced the farmers to pay the tax.
What did Washington's strong action against the "Whiskey Rebellion" show?
It showed the new government could and would enforce the laws it made. Because of this, people began to have more respect for the government
What was a result of the Whiskey Rebellion
The government would act firmly in times of crisis. Also showed those who disagreed with the government violence would not be tolerated.