George Washington's authority was put to the test when western Pennsylvania farmers, angry over a tax on whiskey, attacked and burned down the home of the local tax inspector. The rebels, 500 strong, refused to disperse, and Washington knew he had to take action. He invoked the Militia Acts of 1792, calling up 13,000 militiamen from neighboring states to quell the uprising. The show of force worked, and the rebels dispersed without a shot fired. Washington's decisive action established the federal government's authority and set a precedent for maintaining law and order.