Primary sourceDocument7 August 1794
Proclamation, 7 August 1794
George Washington · 7 August 1794
A proclamation by George Washington addressing resistance to the excise tax during the Whiskey Rebellion.
This document shows Washington's active response to civil unrest, reinforcing his role in upholding federal law.
About this source
What it is
This document, dated 7 August 1794 and written in Philadelphia, is a formal proclamation issued by George Washington. It addresses the combinations formed in western Pennsylvania against the excise tax laws on spirits.
Why it matters
The proclamation illustrates the federal government's response to the Whiskey Rebellion, highlighting tensions between government authority and citizen resistance. It reflects Washington's role in enforcing federal law and maintaining order during his presidency.
Look closer
- What language does Washington use to describe the actions of the rebels?
- How does this document reflect the challenges of enforcing new laws in a young nation?
- What does the proclamation suggest about Washington's view of government authority?
This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of George Washington on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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