What was a significant outcome of the Whiskey Rebellion?

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Prepare for the UCF AMH2010 U.S. History: 1492-1877 Exam. Review with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, including hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your test!

The outcome that established federal authority over taxation is a key interpretation of the Whiskey Rebellion, which occurred in the 1790s as a response to an excise tax on whiskey imposed by the federal government. This tax was particularly burdensome for farmers and small producers in the western frontier regions, where whiskey was often used as a form of currency. When protests escalated into violence and a rebellion broke out, the federal government, under President George Washington, responded by sending in troops to quell the uprising.

This decisive action was significant because it demonstrated the federal government's willingness and ability to enforce its laws, particularly regarding taxation. By successfully suppressing the rebellion, the government established that it possessed the authority to levy taxes and maintain order, reinforcing the notion that the federal government had the final say over state and local governance. This marked a turning point in the relationship between federal and state power, underscoring the strength of the national government under the newly ratified Constitution.