I had always assumed it had an internal steel superstructure. As most people assume “brick houses” are stronger, when in reality, it’s just a veneer actually tied to the wooden wall frame to support it.
But what I’ve read of the history says the Washington Monument is actually a true masonry edifice.
In other words, it’s just a pile of rocks waiting to happen.
“..just a pile of rocks waiting to happen.”
Yeah, but it turns out piles of rocks are pretty natural, robust structures.
And regarding houses, what you say is true for “modern” construction (~1950 +). But earlier brick buildings really were masonry structures - typically 8” thick walls for a house. Then they’d just fir the inside and plaster the walls.
The problem with pure masonry structures is the thickness of wall required at the base for taller structures.
Buildings over 100’ tall might have walls several feet thick at the bottom.
Other than earthquakes though, they do last. Their inherent strength is based on the most reliable factor around: gravity.