Hamilton's Tax On Whiskey

During Hamilton's establishment of the financial plan, he realized that congress should be imposing new taxes. One of which was the tax on whiskey. Whiskey was made because the spanish had cut off the root along the mississippi river to transport grain, since grain was at high risk of growing mold and spoiling, the westerners strategized by distilling the grain into whiskey. Because whiskey was a popular substance used by civilians, Hamilton targeted the westerners by placing a high tax on the product. In the song One last ride by the Hamilton production, Hamilton sings “The whiskey tax is very unpopular but necessary, sir” (Hamilton) . After being taxed the westerners had become enraged. They were unwilling to pay a tax on whiskey; therefore,

a rebellion began in the summer of 1794. The angry westerners stopped court proceedings, destroyed whiskey-making stills of those who paid the tax, robbed mail, and even terrorized tax collectors. Hamilton sought Washington's help in putting down the rebellion. In the song One last ride by the Hamilton production, Jefferson sings “We know from rebellions, We’re gonna teach ‘em
How to stay in line” (Hamilton) ,Washington ordered 15,000 troops to end the whiskey rebellion. Surprisingly, nobody was hurt because the large quantity of troops were able to buy whiskey and it resolved the matter. The difference between the Shays Rebellion and the Whiskey rebellion is that the Whiskey Rebellion was resolved in a appropriate and timely manner compared to the Shays. The Whiskey Rebellion shines light on the strong constitution that the U.S has gained for itself in contrast to the weak and unhelpful articles of confederation. Also, Washington was much more prepared and was authorized the ability to put down a rebellion. Unlike the Shays Rebellion where the national government did not have the power to put down a rebellion and Washington had to assemble an army last minute to take down the rebellion.