National Challenges that Washington Faced

Whiskey Rebellion Who? Farmers in Western PA and the Federal Government What? – Tax on Whiskey made farmers angry because it was easier to transport whiskey than grain to market across the Appalachian Mountains. – Farmers lashed out against the government by taking control of court houses so farmers would not lose their farms When? Tax imposed in 1791 Full Rebellion occurred by 1794

Where? Western Pennsylvania Why? – Farmers were unable to send their crops down river to the port at New Orleans – They made their wheat into whiskey and could ship their entire crop easily across the mountains into the eastern ports – Could not make a profit with the tax on whiskey How? – Farmers surrounded the court house to prevent trials from occurring to evict people from their land for not paying taxes – Farmers threatened the federal governments authority so President Washington personally led in troops to put down the rebellion The rebellion dissipated before Washington and the troops arrived

Northwest Territory Who? Native Americans, British, and Americans What Happened? – Native American tribes in the area joined together under the command of Little Turtle – Battle of Fallen Timbers was a loss for the Native Americans and the use of total war (total destruction) by the Americans under Wayne When? 1792 Anthony Wayne sent to Territory – Treaty of Greenville signed 1796 officially ended the conflict

Where? Northwest Territory Why? Americans had settled in the Northwest Territory against the wishes of the Native Americans so they declared war How was it solved? – Treaty of Greenville gave the U.S. claim to the Northwest Territory and allowed the Native Americans to remain on some of their lands without disruption form settlers. – This would not last long