What product was taxed by the government that led to a rebellion in Western Pennsylvania in 1794?

The rebellion in Western Pennsylvania in 1794, known as the Whiskey Rebellion, was a direct response to the excise tax imposed on whiskey production and sales by the federal government. This tax was part of an effort to reduce the national debt following the Revolutionary War and was particularly burdensome for farmers in the region who relied on distilling their excess grain into whiskey as a means of trade and income.

The tax sparked outrage among the farmers who felt that it unfairly targeted their livelihoods and that government officials did not understand the economic realities of frontier life. The situation escalated as the farmers protested, and ultimately, some even took up arms against federal tax collectors. The rebellion highlighted the tensions between rural Americans and the federal government, showcasing the challenges of governance in a young nation. This event is significant in American history as it tested the authority of the new federal government to enforce its laws.