In 1794, farmers in western Pennsylvania were moved to rebellion by a new tax on distilled spirits, known as the Whiskey Tax. The tax was introduced by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton as a way of generating revenue for the federal government to pay off debts from the Revolutionary War. However, western farmers, who relied heavily on whiskey sales as a means of income, saw the tax as an unfair burden and a violation of their rights, and began to resist its collection. The rebellion was put down by federal troops sent by President George Washington, demonstrating the government's willingness to use force to enforce its laws and maintain order. However, the Whiskey Tax remained a contentious issue for many years, with opposition to it eventually leading to its repeal in 1802.