When President George Washington suppressed a rebellion of farmers in Western Pennsylvania for refusing to pay the whiskey tax, he?
http://www.encyclopedia.com/history/united-states-and-canada/us-history/whiskey-rebellion
what was the answer?
When President George Washington suppressed the rebellion of farmers in Western Pennsylvania for refusing to pay the whiskey tax, he took several actions to enforce the law and restore order. Here's an explanation of what happened:
1. Background: In 1791, the United States Congress passed a law known as the Whiskey Act, which imposed taxes on distilled spirits, including whiskey. This tax was particularly burdensome for whiskey producers in western Pennsylvania, as it affected their livelihoods.
2. Whiskey Rebellion: In response to the whiskey tax, many farmers in the region organized protests and actively resisted the tax collectors. This resistance gradually escalated into a full-blown rebellion by 1794.
3. Washington's Response: As the rebellion gained momentum, President George Washington took decisive action to uphold federal authority and maintain peace:
a. Diplomatic Efforts: Initially, Washington sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He dispatched negotiators to meet with the rebel leaders and hear their grievances. However, these attempts failed to result in a satisfactory compromise.
b. Raising a Militia: Recognizing the need for a more forceful response, Washington exercised his authority under the Militia Acts of 1792 and called upon state militias to mobilize and suppress the rebellion. A force of around 13,000 militia members was assembled.
c. Washington's Leadership: Although Washington personally led the army towards the rebellion's stronghold in western Pennsylvania, he did not actively engage in combat. Instead, his presence served as a symbol of federal authority and helped discourage further violence.
d. Peaceful Resolution: The sheer size and strength of the militia force, combined with the lack of popular support for the rebellion, led to a swift collapse of organized resistance. Many rebel leaders fled, and the remaining rebels dispersed. Consequently, the rebellion was effectively suppressed without any major acts of violence or loss of life.
4. Legal Consequences: Following the suppression of the rebellion, the government pursued legal action against some of the rebel leaders. However, their trials highlighted the challenges of prosecuting individuals for treason under the Constitution, and eventually, most of the accused rebels were either acquitted or pardoned.
In summary, President George Washington responded to the rebellion of farmers in Western Pennsylvania by attempting diplomatic negotiations, mobilizing a militia force, personally leading the army, and ultimately suppressing the rebellion to restore federal authority and uphold the whiskey tax law.