Article Discussion

It isn’t clear how this rebellion was resolved, whether the tax was rescinded or not. It is clear, however, that President Washington overreacted with the federal army marching on the farmers and the atrocities which were committed. This was a very critical time; Washington clearly believed the new nation was under siege, with the Indian wars and threats of insurrection. The important thing about the Whiskey Rebellion, I believe, was the determination by Washington and others that the Union would stand at any cost.