Question

Which statement describes actions taken by the British soldiers once they entered Washington, D.C., in 1814:

A. They looted and burned government buildings, including the White House
B. They peacefully negotiated with American officials for surrender
C. They established diplomatic relations with Native American tribes
D. They withdrew from the city without engaging in hostilities

Answer 1

The British soldiers looted and burned government buildings, including the White House and the Capitol, when they entered Washington, D.C., in 1814, leaving private property alone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that describes actions taken by the British soldiers once they entered Washington, D.C., in 1814 is: A. They looted and burned government buildings, including the White House. In 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces led by Major General Robert Ross captured Washington, D.C. The British soldiers executed a disciplined attack, targeting only public buildings such as the Capitol Building and the White House, while sparing personal property.

The attack led to the gutting of both these iconic buildings by fires, and although the sandstone exteriors survived, their interiors turned to ash. Additionally, a significant loss was the Library of Congress which was housed in the Capitol and destroyed in the fires. First Lady Dolly Madison played a notable role by saving many valuables, including a famous portrait of George Washington, from the flames.