Whiskey Rebellion, 1794, in United States history, a revolt in Pennsylvania over the federal excise laws. Congress in 1791 had imposed a tax on whiskey, causing great dissatisfaction in western Pennsylvania, where many of the people manufactured whiskey for a livelihood. Protest meetings were held, and in some places there were riots. The law was modified somewhat, but the disorders continued. In 1794 President Washington sent about 15,000 militia to the scene.

Washington's action quickly ended the revolt and showed that the newly formed federal government could enforce its laws. However, the event increased frontier resentment toward a strong central government and the Federalist party in power in Washington.