What historical event did President Washington respond to with a militia call from neighboring states in 1794?

In 1794, President George Washington responded to the Whiskey Rebellion, which was a significant uprising by farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania against the federal excise tax on whiskey. This tax was part of the government's efforts to stabilize the nation's economy after the Revolutionary War, but it was deeply unpopular among those who relied on distilling whiskey for their livelihoods.

The farmers felt that the tax was unfairly burdensome and a direct attack on their economic freedom. As the rebellion escalated, Washington recognized the need to maintain order and uphold the authority of the federal government. He made the decisive choice to call for militias from neighboring states to suppress the uprising. This action demonstrated the federal government's willingness to enforce its laws and maintain order, setting a precedent for how such events would be handled in the future. The successful quelling of the rebellion served to strengthen federal authority and effectively showed that violent protest against the government would not be tolerated.

Understanding this context illustrates why the Whiskey Rebellion is the correct answer, as it was the specific event that prompted Washington's actions and response involving the use of military force.