After the Revolutionary War the government of the United States was forced to impose a series of taxes in order to fund the national debt. One tax that angered residents in the western part of the country was the Whiskey Act. The reason for this was simple: the citizens in the west were not fans of the eastern-based federal government that seemed to do little for them except demand payment in the form of taxes.
The tax was especially unpopular with small farmers in the west, many of whom actually chased off tax collectors with threats of violence. The resistance to the new law continued for more than three years until a U.S. Marshal was sent to Pennsylvania to deliver writs to residents who had formerly refused to pay the tax.
This was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, as five-hundred armed men later raided the home of the local tax inspector. President Washington reacted quickly and sent peace commissioners and Motivational Speakers to talk with the rebel farmers. He also raised a militia in preparation of further violence.
But the brief rebellion ended before the army even arrived… perhaps the whiskey wore off! In the end, about twenty people were imprisoned, but they were all either pardoned or acquitted. None of them spent more than a few weeks behind bars.
Still, this episode sent a strong message to the residents of the new nation. It let them know that the government would be tough, but fair. That they were willing to negotiation and consider any legitimate grievances, but that they would not stand for violence or open rebellion.