Question

Why did president washington consider using military force against the protesters?

Answer 1

It was the late 18th century and the national government was cash-strapped. In order to raise money, Congress passed a 25% excise (sales) tax on liquor. Many Americans along the frontier resented the tax from a distant legislature. There were outbreaks of opposition. In rural areas where no one was willing to serve as tax collector, the taxes went unpaid. The tension had reached a breaking point by July 1794 where tax collectors were feathered, harassed and tarred; one’s home was burned. About six thousand people were camped outside Pittsburgh threatening to march on the town in Western Pennsylvania. Washington believed he had to act. He and his cabinet members met with Pennsylvania officials. They decided to present evidence of the violence to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court James Wilson. After reviewing the evidence, Wilson certified that the situation could not be controlled by civil authorities alone. A military response could proceed.