Upon the formation of the United States Constitution in 1787, the federal government was able to establish and enforce the collection of taxes. Congress passed a series of laws that taxed alcohol to pay off remaining debts from the American Revolution. These taxes were viewed by many people as unjust to small grain farmers as they used excess grain to produce alcohol. Therefore, these taxes diminished small farmers' profits.

Question

Upon the formation of the United States Constitution in 1787, the federal government was able to establish and enforce the collection of taxes. Congress passed a series of laws that taxed alcohol to pay off remaining debts from the American Revolution. These taxes were viewed by many people as unjust to small grain farmers as they used excess grain to produce alcohol. Therefore, these taxes diminished small farmers' profits.
What actions did farmers in Western Pennsylvania take in response to the taxes on alcohol?

A. They attempted to overthrow the federal government.
B. They refused to pay any taxes.
C. They harassed and attacked federal tax collectors.
D. They stopped growing grain and producing alcohol.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

C. They harassed and attacked federal tax collectors.

Farmers in Western Pennsylvania, particularly during the Whiskey Rebellion in the 1790s, protested against the federal excise tax on whiskey by harassing and attacking federal tax collectors. This rebellion was a significant event that highlighted the tensions between the federal government and rural citizens.