Overview
This lecture covers the causes, events, and significance of the Whiskey Rebellion under President George Washington, highlighting its impact on federal authority and the formation of political parties.
Causes of the Whiskey Rebellion
- The Whiskey Rebellion was triggered by Alexander Hamilton's economic plan, especially the 1791 excise tax on whiskey distillation.
- Many Western frontier farmers, cash-poor and relying on whiskey as currency, saw the tax as unfairly targeting them.
- Early resistance involved attacks on federal tax collectors and marshals by angry farmers, militiamen, and laborers.
Events of the Whiskey Rebellion
- By summer 1794, protests escalated into armed rebellion in Western Pennsylvania, home to many whiskey stills.
- Rebels threatened to attack Pittsburgh, prompting federal intervention after failed negotiations.
- On August 4, 1794, a Supreme Court Justice declared Western Pennsylvania in a state of rebellion.
- President Washington, urged by Hamilton, issued the Proclamation of Military Service on September 25, 1794, calling for militia from several states.
- Washington personally led over 12,500 militiamen to suppress the rebellion—the only time a sitting president led troops.
- The sheer size of the force caused the rebels to disperse without major conflict; some faced charges but were later pardoned by Washington.
Significance and Impact
- The federal response demonstrated the new government's ability to enforce its laws and maintain order.
- The event set a precedent for presidential use of military force to enforce federal laws.
- It contributed to the formation of the first two political parties: Federalists favored strong action, while Democratic-Republicans saw it as federal overreach.
- The effective suppression contrasted with earlier failures like Shay's Rebellion, proving the strength of the Constitution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Whiskey Rebellion — 1794 armed uprising by Western farmers protesting the federal whiskey excise tax.
- Excise Tax — a tax on the production or sale of a specific good.
- Proclamation of Military Service — Washington’s order calling state militias to suppress the rebellion.
- Commander-in-Chief — the president’s constitutional role as leader of the U.S. military.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion in relation to federal authority and party formation.
- Study how this event set precedents for later presidential use of military power.
- Read about Shay's Rebellion and compare government responses.