What was the Whiskey Rebellion?
The tax on whiskey was bitterly and fiercely opposed among the Cohee on the frontier from the day it was passed. Western farmers considered it to be both unfair and discriminatory, since they had traditionally converted their excess grain into liquor. Since the nature of the tax affected those who sold the whiskey, it directly affected many farmers. Many protest meetings were held, and a situation arose which was reminiscent of the opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765, before the American Revolution. Several groups were formed in opposition to the tax, and refused to pay it. Eventually the coercion of officials and private citizens prompted Washington to use military action.
