Here are some key actions and events undertaken by the rebels during the Whiskey Rebellion:
Resisting Tax Collection:
- Tax collectors encountered strong resistance from distillers and farmers who resented the new excise tax. Rebels often intimidated or threatened tax officials, making it difficult for the government to collect the tax.
Formation of Societies:
- The rebels organized themselves into societies and associations to coordinate their activities. Notable examples include the "Mingo Creek Society" and the "Whiskey Boys."
Violent Protests:
- The rebels engaged in acts of violence and intimidation to prevent the enforcement of the whiskey tax. They attacked federal marshals, revenue inspectors, and other government officials involved in tax collection.
Tarring and Feathering:
- As a form of punishment, the rebels subjected tax collectors and other government officials to tarring and feathering. This involved coating individuals with hot tar and then covering them with feathers, causing humiliation and pain.
Distillery Raids:
- Rebels targeted distilleries that continued to operate despite the tax, destroying equipment and barrels of whiskey. They wanted to discourage compliance with the law and limit whiskey production.
Pittsburgh Convention:
- In September 1794, the rebels held a convention in Pittsburgh to discuss their grievances and plan further resistance. The convention adopted resolutions declaring the excise tax as unconstitutional and called for armed opposition to its enforcement.
March on Pittsburgh:
- After the Pittsburgh Convention, the rebels marched on Pittsburgh, the regional center of federal authority. They intended to intimidate government officials and demonstrate their strength.
Presidential Response:
- In response to the rebellion, President George Washington called for militias from several states to suppress the uprising. He personally led the federal forces that marched into western Pennsylvania.
Compromise and Surrender:
- Faced with the overwhelming strength of the federal army, the rebels eventually surrendered without significant bloodshed. Negotiations led to a compromise under which the government agreed to modify the excise tax while the rebels pledged to cease their resistance.
Overall, the Whiskey Rebellion involved acts of civil disobedience, violent protests, targeted attacks, and organized resistance by the rebels in their opposition to the whiskey excise tax.