Why did Dolley Madison refuse to evacuate the capital immediately?
She wanted to symbolize strength to Washington’s residents.
She relied on her husband to know which way to run.
She was ashamed to be seen running away in fear.
She couldn’t carry everything she wished to save by herself.
I've eliminated B and C, so I'm not sure if it is A or D. I'm leaning toward D.
It was D.
To determine the correct answer, it is important to consider the historical context and the actions of Dolley Madison during the specific event being referred to here, which is the burning of the White House by British forces during the War of 1812.
Dolley Madison's decision not to evacuate the capital immediately can be attributed to multiple reasons, and these reasons provide the best understanding of her motivations:
1. She wanted to symbolize strength to Washington's residents: This statement is correct. Dolley Madison was aware of the symbolic importance of her actions as the First Lady. By remaining in the capital and refusing to evacuate immediately, she sought to demonstrate resilience and courage to the residents of Washington, D.C., who were facing the British invasion. Her presence in a time of crisis aimed to instill confidence and unity among the people.
2. She relied on her husband to know which way to run: There is insufficient evidence to support this statement as the main reason for Dolley Madison's refusal to evacuate. While she did rely on her husband, President James Madison, and trusted his judgment, it was not the sole reason for her decision.
3. She was ashamed to be seen running away in fear: This statement can be eliminated since it is incorrect. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Dolley Madison was ashamed or motivated by fear when deciding not to evacuate. Instead, she prioritized her role as a national symbol and acted strategically to uphold the morale of the nation.
4. She couldn’t carry everything she wished to save by herself: This statement is partially correct. Dolley Madison's decision to delay her departure was influenced by her desire to secure and protect important national treasures, including valuable documents and iconic artifacts. She spent valuable time and effort overseeing the removal of important items from the White House before eventually leaving herself.
Based on the correct reasoning, the answer to your question is A: She wanted to symbolize strength to Washington’s residents.
However, it is worth noting that Dolley Madison's decision cannot be reduced to a single motive, as it was likely influenced by a combination of factors.