Blog #5: Republican Motherhood










1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?

Republican Motherhood was started and quickened by the American Revolution. Many still believed that women belonged in the house, but some started to believe that women served the country by training and guided their sons in good, humane ways (Doc A). Women were told that how they raised their children impacted the destiny of their country (Doc D). Others believed that independence was dependent on women, who nurtured and raised their boys who would come to fight in the Revolutionary War (Doc C).

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?

A consequence of Republican Motherhood was that it tightened the view that women were meant to be in the home. However it did provide women with new power as they were able to affect the minds of their sons, who are the future of the nation. The Republican Motherhood solidified that the role of women was in the home (Doc A). It did push for women's education so it would allow women to enlighten their children with ideas of liberty, justice and government (Doc B).

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?
Republican Motherhood was the first step towards womens equality. While little progress was made in comparison to men's rights it still gave women a sense of power and political importance. Women now were seen as a very important piece to the future of the country, gaining more and more recognition (Doc D). 

1. Describe the setting

The women, Mary Gibson Tilghman is sitting on a couch with what appears to be her children. Other than the women, her children, and the couch the picture feels empty and plain. 


  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, Mary Gibson Tilghman is the center of the painting likely emphasizing the increasing role of women. This painting is probably influenced by Republican Motherhood. She appears happy and settled as mother of two children. She is more "republican" than aristocratic because she is more casual and modest rather than prim and snobby. Aristocrat would be dressed fancier and would be wearing more make up. 

3. What values do her sons exhibit?
  Her sons appear to be responsible and calm conveying traits like modesty, civility, happiness and pride. All these traits could represent the ideal American boy.

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham’s arm?
      Mrs. Tilgham's arm positioning has some significance. The right arm is supporting the back of the left child and the right on the lap. This could signify the role of women to train and guide their children, raising them the right way.


This picture of the womens suffrage movement is similar to Republican Motherhood in the sense that it influences change in the power and role of women.



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