What did Atzerodt decide to do that night? Why?

What did Atzerodt decide to do that night? Why?

• A. He decided not to kill the vice president because the plan was stupid the drunker he got.
• B. He killed the vice president.
• C. He fled to Canada.
• D. He immediately confessed.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how fear, indecision, and alcohol can derail a planned act. Atzerodt faced a risky, poorly thought-out target and, as he drank, his resolve collapsed. He chose not to go through with killing the Vice President because the plan seemed foolish and he grew more afraid of the consequences as the night wore on. That hesitation fits the historical outcome: he never carried out the assassination, instead staying near his location, drinking and delaying. He didn’t confess right away either, which aligns with his eventual (but not immediate) admission of involvement.

The idea being tested is how fear, indecision, and alcohol can derail a planned act. Atzerodt faced a risky, poorly thought-out target and, as he drank, his resolve collapsed. He chose not to go through with killing the Vice President because the plan seemed foolish and he grew more afraid of the consequences as the night wore on. That hesitation fits the historical outcome: he never carried out the assassination, instead staying near his location, drinking and delaying. He didn’t confess right away either, which aligns with his eventual (but not immediate) admission of involvement.