How did the Whiskey Rebellion compare to the Shays Rebellion under the Articles of Confederation?
The Whiskey Rebellion occured in Pennsylvania, during George Washington’s second term as President of the United States. The Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton had declared a tax on liquor made from the wheat and barley that the Pennsylvania farmers grew. The farmers protested, became rebels and overcame small groups of federal troops. They closed the courts and began a march to Pittsburg. President Washington knew he could not let this small band of rebels continue. He dressed in his military uniform and led a group of heavily armed militiamen to quickly put down the revolt. The president declared the only way to change federal law was at the ballot box.
