Why did George Washington blame The Western Pennsylvania Democratic Societies and for the crisis about the Excise Tax in the Whiskey Rebellion Did Washington go too far?

Answer 1

George Washington blamed the Western Pennsylvania Democratic Societies for fomenting unrest during the Whiskey Rebellion, viewing them as a source of anti-government sentiment and insurrection against the federal excise tax on whiskey. He believed their influence exacerbated public dissent and undermined the authority of the federal government. Critics argue that Washington's response—deploying federal troops to suppress the rebellion—was excessive, as it intensified divisions between the federal government and its citizens, raising concerns about the use of military force against American citizens.