In 1791, the government of the United States previously running under the Articles of Confederation had been replaced by a hands on, more effective government stipulated under the United States Constitution that had come into power in 1789 . The government took over the debts accumulated from the states from the American Revolutionary War. One stipulation to waiver the debts by the federal government was a tax on distilled spirits. Larger producers of beer were to be charged six cents a gallon whereas smaller producers were to be taxed a higher rate of nine cents a gallon.
The smaller producers were outraged by this …show more content…
Washington ordered federal marshals to serve court orders requiring the tax protesters to appear in federal district court. On August 7, 1794, Washington invoked the Militia Law of 1792 to summon the militias of Pennsylvania, Virginia and several states. The rebel force they sought was likewise composed of Pennsylvanians, Virginians, and possibly men from other states. The militia force of 13,000 men was organized and under the personal command of Washington and Hamilton quickly suppressed the