3. The Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)
When the new U.S. government imposed a tax on distilled spirits, frontier farmers in western Pennsylvania erupted in protest, fearing economic ruin. The Whiskey Rebellion quickly escalated, prompting President Washington to send troops and assert federal power. Though the uprising fizzled, its legacy endures as a critical test of national authority and a symbol of grassroots resistance. Read more about this pivotal moment at History.com.
