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People & Events
The Whiskey Rebellion
Nearly twenty years after the revolutionary War began, the United States government faced a small-scale revolution by some of its own citizens. As in the previous war, taxes were a central issue. And Alexander Hamilton understood that putting down this rebellion was critical to the life of the nation.
In order to create a self-supporting and effective government, Treasury Secretary Hamilton knew he needed to find a steady source of revenue. He proposed an excise tax on whiskey produced in the United States, and Congress instituted the levy in 1791. In general, the citizens of that time felt negatively toward the idea of taxation. The farmers of western Pennsylvania, many of whom distilled whiskey and profited from its sale, proved outright hostile to the idea.
In July of 1794, a force of disaffected whiskey rebels attacked and destroyed the home of a tax inspector. The rebellion grew in numbers, if not in actions, and threatened to spread to other states. Hamilton knew that the presence of a large and potentially hostile force in Pennsylvania could not be tolerated. If the government were to survive, it would have to show itself capable of keeping control.
Hamilton advocated the use of military force; President George Washington instead put state militias on the ready and sent in negotiators. When talks proved fruitless, Washington acquiesced to Hamilton's view. A force of 13,000 militia troops, led by Hamilton and Virginia governor Henry Lee, marched into western Pennsylvania.
By the time the federal force arrived, the rebellion had collapsed and most of the rebels had fled. Two men were convicted of treason and later pardoned by Washington. Alexander Hamilton was elated. The fledgling federal government had proven it could keep order -- a necessity if the U.S. was to avoid instability. But many, in particular Thomas Jefferson, thought that this resort to military force was a dangerous mistake. It convinced them that Hamilton was a dangerous man.
What else can I help you with?
What were the names of the first two political parties in the US?
it was labor which in latin means laboro
What has the author William Glen Moncrieff written?
William Glen Moncrieff has written: 'Soul, or, The Hebrew word nephesh, and the Greek word psuche' 'Sodom, or, Another opportunity' 'Party and government by party' -- subject(s): Politics and government, Parties, Political, Political parties, Partis politiques 'Party and government by party' -- subject(s): Politics and government, Political Parties
Why does the US have a two party political system today even though numerous political parties are often listed on election ballets?
the reoson why we have a lot of political parties is because there are independent parties who don't have a lot of backing up by companies so they can't spend as much money on advertisement like the republicans and democrats can so they lose (so far haven't made it to the end) and the democrats and republicans supported by oil companies and other companies have a lot of money to spend so they are more well known throughout the U.S. and are the 2 biggest political parties so all of the time they have been the last 2 to survive
What has the author David Eugene Blank written?
David Eugene Blank has written: 'Politics in Venezuela' -- subject(s): Political participation, Political parties, Politics and government
What has the author Christina Schirra written?
Christina Schirra has written: 'Politik in einer Gemeinde' -- subject(s): Elections, Political parties, Politics and government
Which political development in the US is considered part of the unwritten constitution?
system of political parties
Was it necessary for the development of political parties?
I think political parties are important, especially because they are the ones developing policies and programs.
What are the two primarily political parties of the US?
The two major US political parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
What are the names of the two main political parties in the US?
The two main political parties in the US are called the Republicans and Democrats.
What are the major political parties in the US?
The Democratic and Republican parties.
What are minor political parties are called in the US?
third parties
Which two leading political parties in US?
The Republican and Democrat Parties.
What is the number of political parties in US?
3
Political parties in the US What are their symbols?
democtatic
What is a minor political party called in the US?
In the US there are an abundance of minority political parties. Often times they are referred to as third parties. Some are exactly called minority parties. In some cases they are called fringe parties.
What is the current status of banned political parties in the US?
As of now, there are no officially banned political parties in the United States. All political parties are allowed to operate and participate in the democratic process.
What was Andrew Jackson's contribution to the development of political parties was the?
Formation of grassroots party
