Republican Motherhood Blog

1.       What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?The Revolutionary War contributed to the shift from housewifery to Republican Motherhood because women became more appreciated. Women were able to contribute to the war effort "by training up good citizens, just, humane, and enlightened legislators" (Doc A). The war also proved a necessity for women to teach their sons "the principles of liberty and government"(Doc B). With women rearing their children in this way, they were helping prepare younger generations to lead the country in the future.
2.      What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?Women had little opportunities. They were required to learn specific things to teach their children and care for them properly but else was there? They were stuck in their role as Mothers and they didn't have the opportunities to get other jobs or go to schools themselves. Their lives were solely focused around their children.
3.      What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization? The significance of the idea of Republican Motherhood in the process of women's socialization is that women were valued. Instead of being stuck at home working for their family with little appreciation, they continued this job with a new attitude. Instead of caring for their children, they were shaping the future America by being sure to teach them properly.

Mary Gibson Tilghman and her Sons by Charles Willson Peale (1789)  

1.     Describe the setting. A mother sits with her two sons. It appears that she is sitting in a living room. She and her sons look content.
2.     Who serves at the center of the portrait and why?  How does the woman look?  How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic? The mother serves as the center of the portrait. This is because mothers ruled the family and took care of children. She looks content. Mary Tilghman appear republican rather than aristocratic by the way she is dressed. Everything is very simple and plain from her clothing, to her hair, and even the background. There is no ornate, gold embellishments, everything is plain.
3.     What values do her sons exhibit? Her sons show the value of family. Family is very important to her and her sons are her pride and joy.
4.      Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham’s arm? Her arm is holding back her younger son, who is reaching out to the older son. This shows that the mother has control over her children, teaching them to be civil, obedient citizens.