1. Whiskey Rebellion

2. Precursors: Alexander Hamilton Tax on Whiskey Western Pennsylvania
Secretary of Treasury
Economic plan to deal with the debt
Tax on Whiskey
This became a huge issue!
Western Pennsylvania
Frontier area

3. Why Whiskey? Made out of Corn
One of the only products that could be made from corn and not spoil during transport
People liked to drink it
Was used as a form of currency

4. The Rebellion: People refused to pay the tax
Rebels closed courts and attacked debt collectors

5. Washington’s Response:
Washington was not having this!!!
Hamilton was mad too
G.W. was determined to quell the rebellion to show the strength of the American Government
Washington raised an army of 12,000 soldiers who quickly disbanded the rebels

6. Why Does This Matter?
Washington was able to show the power of the central government
To citizens and the rest of the globe
But….

7. But…. Hamilton and his Federalists lost a lot of support
Artisans and professional men were beginning to oppose Federalists
Jefferson also opposed the Federalists
They morphed together and became Jeffersonian Republicans
Wanted a more democratic society