Why was Washington so alarmed by the whiskey rebellion?

Washington was alarmed by the Whiskey Rebellion because it challenged the authority of the federal government and threatened the newly established constitutional order. The rebellion, which arose in response to a tax on whiskey, highlighted the tensions between rural communities and the federal government, as well as the potential for civil unrest. Washington viewed the uprising as a test of the government's ability to enforce its laws and maintain order, prompting him to take decisive action by sending federal troops to quell the rebellion. This response underscored his commitment to upholding the rule of law and the authority of the federal government.