In the sentence:

When it was time to go to the airport, her mother wouldn't let her daughter leave.

What is the explanation for using "wouldn't" instead of "didn't"?

Thanks,

John

MMm, I'm sure someone could offer a better answer than this:

wouldn't implies that someone (possibly the daughter)wanted the daughter to leave.

didn't offers less information. Somebody may have wanted the daughter to leave, but you can't be sure. It's just a fact. She didn't let her leave.

Not great, sorry. Any other views?