The government of the fledgling United States imposed an excise tax on whiskey in 1791 to repay its debts from the Revolutionary War. Renewed enforcement of the tax in 1794 created turmoil & hardship in the trade-&-barter economy of western Pennsylvania. Family farmers/distillers sharply debated whether to pay the tax. By mid-1794, the debates turned, in quick succession, to violence, bloodshed, & open rebellion. The United States faced the first test of its domestic strength. President Washington responded by sending federal troops. Ten-year-old Janie Miller was a frontier girl whose family played a key role in the incident of July 15, 1794 which sparked the bloodshed. During the year, Janie's uncle, William Miller, agonized over registering his whiskey still & facing retribution from neighbor "Tom the Tinker," or ignoring the law & facing the consequences in a far-off Philadelphia courtroom. Increasingly pressured to take a stand, he finds himself--& his family--overtaken by events. This dramatic story is seen through Janie's eyes. Pioneer crafts & activities are woven into the story. "1794" is suitable for older children & young adults but can be enjoyed by all ages. L. C. Zajdel, 203 Old Oak Rd., McMurray, PA 15317 (412) 941-2160.