Dear Insurgents:
You aren't the 1776 Patriots who overthrew British rule.

You're the misguided "Whiskey Rebels" of 1794, who believed they could go to war against their government because "the people" would rise and join them.

They were wrong. And so are you. 1/5

The 1794 Insurgents called for “open resistance” believing they could "easily defeat" any army sent against them because the soldiers "will turn" and join the insurgency. Leaders said, “the militia will not come against us and if formed will come and be in our favour.” 2/5

They were wrong. The insurgency melted away when George Washington and Alexander Hamilton personally mounted up and led a 12,000-man army composed of federalized militia through Pennsylvania, the heart of the insurgency. 3/5

Most of the 1794 Insurgents signed oaths of submission before the army even arrived. Thousands who refused to submit fled south to Kentucky or west into "Indian territory." The leaders who remained were tried for treason. 4/5

So, insurgents, knock off the violence. If you don't, you're going to envy the so-called "Whiskey Rebels." Because the actual label history will give you—and the real world consequences you will face—will undoubtedly be much, much worse. 5/5