Buzz
When Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in the tri-state area, there was an overwhelming shortage of food, fuel, and electricity. In such high-pressure situations, desperation can set in, often leading to violent outbursts that disregard both basic etiquette and law-abiding behavior. This breakdown of order typically prompts the government to enforce what is called Martial Law. After the hurricane, certain news sources reported that parts of New Jersey had been placed under martial law. But what exactly does martial law mean, and when is it put into effect?
The History of Martial Law
Martial law is understood as 'the deployment of military forces to designated regions to restore, maintain, and ensure stability when local civilian authorities are unable to do so and, in some instances, to impose government control.'
Martial law declarations are more common than you might expect. In fact, they have appeared numerous times in American history. After the War of 1812 ended, General Andrew Jackson imposed martial law in New Orleans until he received official confirmation of the peace treaty. New Orleans would again experience martial law after Hurricane Katrina's devastation. Similarly, San Francisco was placed under martial law following the 1906 earthquake and the 1934 port riots. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Chicago found itself under martial law. President Lincoln declared martial law across most of the country during the Civil War. The coal industry triggered the declaration of martial law in Colorado in 1914, while Hawaii was placed under martial law after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The Front Lines
In general, Presidents and politicians have declared martial law while maintaining a safe distance from the chaos. However, there is at least one instance where a President stepped directly into the turmoil.
After the American Revolution, George Washington’s new government decided to impose a whiskey tax to generate much-needed revenue. This did not go over well with whiskey producers in Pennsylvania, who had just fought a war partly due to taxes. They protested and rioted in response.
Washington wasn’t about to back down. Instead of declaring martial law and sending in the troops, he mounted his horse and personally led the Army into Pennsylvania to put down the Whiskey Rebellion. His presence alone crushed the rebellion and solidified Washington’s reputation as possibly the toughest President in American history.
