What was the main economic conflict during the Whiskey Rebellion?

The main economic conflict during the Whiskey Rebellion centered around taxes on whiskey and other products. The rebellion originated as a response to the excise tax imposed by the federal government on whiskey in 1791, which was part of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton's plan to raise revenue for the new federal government and pay off the national debt. The tax was particularly burdensome for western farmers who relied on distilling grain into whiskey as a means of both income and trade, as transporting grains over long distances was more challenging than transporting whiskey.

The imposition of this tax created significant unrest among these farmers, who saw it as an unfair burden on their economic activities and a direct threat to their livelihoods. The discontent culminated in a rebellion in 1794, where insurgents took up arms against federal tax collectors, ultimately leading to a significant test of federal authority. The resolution of the Whiskey Rebellion underscored the tension between federal power and local economic interests, paving the way for further debates on governance and taxation in the young nation.

While tariffs on imported goods, land disputes, and trade agreements are important issues during this period, they did not play a central role in this particular conflict. The Whiskey Rebellion specifically highlighted the economic struggles and dissent from