Whiskey Rebellion facts for kids

The Whiskey Rebellion was a time when some farmers in western Pennsylvania got upset with the United States government in 1794. They were angry about a new tax on whiskey. For these farmers, selling whiskey was a big part of how they traded goods and made money. They felt the tax was unfair because it hurt their way of life more than it did for farmers in other areas.

Washington leads his troops to western Pennsylvania (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

The United States had borrowed a lot of money during the American Revolutionary War. To help pay back this debt, Alexander Hamilton, who was then the Secretary of the Treasury, suggested the new tax.

President George Washington, with advice from Hamilton, quickly put a stop to the rebellion. They wanted to show everyone that the new federal government was strong and that its laws had to be followed. President Washington himself led nearly 13,000 soldiers to western Pennsylvania. This was a huge army compared to the few hundred farmers who were protesting. The farmers went home before the army even arrived. This event made the new government stronger and showed the President's power.

This was the only time in American history that a President has personally led the army while in office.

What Was the Whiskey Rebellion?

The Whiskey Rebellion happened in 1794. It was a protest by farmers in western Pennsylvania against a new tax. This tax was placed on whiskey, which was an important product for these farmers. They used whiskey not just for drinking, but also as a way to trade for other goods. It was like money for them because it was easier to transport than grain.

Why Did the Tax Upset Farmers?

The tax on whiskey was part of a plan to help the new United States government pay off its debts from the Revolutionary War. However, for farmers in western Pennsylvania, the tax felt unfair. They lived far from major markets, so turning their grain into whiskey made it easier to sell and transport. The tax made their main product more expensive and harder to sell, hurting their income. They felt the government was not listening to their concerns.

How Was the Rebellion Stopped?

President George Washington and his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, believed it was very important to show the power of the new federal government. They wanted to prove that the government could enforce its laws across the country. To do this, President Washington decided to lead a large army himself. About 13,000 soldiers marched towards western Pennsylvania. This was a very strong message. The farmers who were protesting saw the large army coming and decided to go home before any major fighting happened. This quick action helped the new government become more stable and respected.

Images for kids

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  Alexander Hamilton in a 1792 portrait by John Trumbull

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  "Famous Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania", an 1880 illustration of a tax collector being made to ride the rail

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  In his 1796 book, Congressman William Findley argued that Alexander Hamilton had deliberately provoked the Whiskey Rebellion.

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  Portrait of Hugh Henry Brackenridge, a western opponent of the whiskey tax who tried to prevent violent resistance

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  Photo of Albert Gallatin, who spoke publicly to rebel groups about the need for moderation

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  The James Miller House on the Oliver Miller Homestead located in South Park Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. In 1794, the first fired gunshots of the Whiskey Rebellion occurred on the property when revenue officers served a writ on William Miller. Shots were fired but the officers were not injured. Later, William was pardoned.

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  Susanna Rowson

See also

In Spanish: Rebelión del whiskey para niños