Farmers in western Pennsylvania rioted in protest of a tax on whiskey enacted during George Washington's presidency, attacking and harassing tax collectors. Over the next three years, public protests and riots disrupted the region as farmers who tried to obey the law were ridiculed and government officials were threatened. On August 1, 1794, a group of farmers burned down the mansion of President Washington's friend and a revenue inspector in retaliation, in what became known as the Whiskey Rebellion and the first test of power for the new federal government.
3. Whiskey Rebellion During George Washington’s presidency, people were angered by the tax enforced on whiskey. As a result, farmers began to attack and harass tax collectors and riot towns.
4. Events Over the next three years, farmers who tried to obey the law were ridiculed; tax collectors were tarred and feathered; government officials were threatened; mail delivery was disrupted. Public protests and riots further disrupted peace in the region. On August 1, 1794, a group of farmers in Washington County, Pennsylvania, challenged and then burned down the mansion of President George Washington's friend and Inspector of Revenue in southwestern Pennsylvania, Brig. Gen. John Neville.
5. Importance Militia Law of 1792 was created, setting a precedent for the use of the militia to "execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections.” It was the first test of power of the new federal government.
