What significant event was sparked by a revolt against an excise tax on whiskey?

The Whiskey Rebellion was a significant event that arose in the early 1790s in response to an excise tax imposed on whiskey by the federal government. Farmers, particularly those in western Pennsylvania, relied heavily on the production of whiskey, both as a cash crop and a vital part of their economy. This tax was seen as an unfair burden on rural producers, leading to widespread protests and resistance against the federal authority.

The rebellion directly challenged the ability of the federal government to enforce its laws and highlighted the tensions between rural and urban interests in the new nation. When the resistance escalated into acts of violence and intimidation against tax collectors, President George Washington viewed it as a serious threat to the rule of law. In 1794, he took decisive action by leading a militia to suppress the rebellion, underscoring the government's commitment to maintaining order and enforcing its tax policies.

Understanding the Whiskey Rebellion provides insight into early American political dynamics, including the balance of power between state and federal authorities and the socio-economic divisions that influenced political sentiments of the time. The other events listed do not relate to a revolt against an excise tax specifically, making the Whiskey Rebellion the correct answer.