Download Student Worksheet 1- The Whiskey Rebellion

Student Worksheet 1- The Whiskey Rebellion
Directions: Read the overview on the Whiskey Rebellion and complete
the questions below.
1. What is an excise?
2.
Why were many states asked to pay taxes after the American Revolutionary War?
3.
Pennsylvanians were relieved from paying many taxes to pay the cost of the war
until 1791. Explain why the citizens of Pennsylvania had this tax relief?
4. What were two major economic activities of Western Pennsylvania?
5. In 1791 Congress approved a tax on what product?
6. Was the excise tax justifiable? Compare the perspectives of the Whiskey “Rebels
and the Federal Government. Identify and list the different points of view by
completing the chart below.
Western Pennsylvanians- Whiskey “Rebels”
Federal Government and Their Supporters
7. What actions were taken by the Whiskey Rebels to show their disapproval for the
tax? List at least three.
a.
b.
c.
8. Who were some of the leaders that were instrumental in leading the Whiskey
Rebellion? Include their role.
9. How did the government respond to the Whiskey Rebellion? Why was it important
that President Washington respond to the rebellion?
10. Reflect upon our discussion of rebellion versus resistance. Do you consider the
actions of the Whiskey Rebels rebellion or resistance? Explain why or why not.
11. Do you believe that the Whiskey Rebels’ motives and actions against the federal
government were justified? Why or why not?
12. Evaluate the Whiskey Rebellion. How has it impacted our new national
government?