Republican Motherhood Blog

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

     As a free nation, life in the colonies was about to change. Ideas that had been stewing in the minds of the colonists, now could be expressed. And it was these very ideas that America unique and great. With these changes in thinking came a change in how women were perceived in society. There was a shift from seeing woman as solely child bearers to them being educators in a way. People thought at the time that since women were so instrumental in the raising of the future leaders of the nation, that they should have an education that would allow the to teach their sons in the principles of liberty and government (Doc. B). And that they should have a strong enough knowledge of written English, arithmetic, and geograpy (Doc B.) But they should be educated in these sujects just enough that they can prepare their sons for their lives.  

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

       As I said previously, there was a shift from women being seen as almost exclusively as childbearers to them gaining importance as educators. As Mary Morris said women were the ones behind boys "ripening into manhood" and facilitating the "gradual openings of their minds." (Doc. C) With this came respect, and some recognition that her influence played an important role in America. 

3. What was the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?

     Even though women had a very important role in America's infacy, women did some restrictions. Since the only, and these are ideas of the time, useful place for women was in the sphere of the home they didn't have much power outside of it (Doc A). They were also responsible with raising sons, and daughters, with good morals and a strong character (Doc D). This expectation would restrict the women to the home for hundreds if years to come.

1. Describe the setting.

     The potrait is set inside of a home, with the family sitting on a couch. The home seems to be modest and well kept, even though not much can be seen. The light seems to be shining on the mother, or Mary Gibson Tilghman, and then it falls onto her sons.

2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why? How does the woman look? How is she "republican" rather than aristocratic?

     Mrs. Tilghman is seated in the center of the portrait. This is to emphasize her importance in the context of the home. She is modestly dressed and she is smiling, to suggest that she is happy but also working. Her clothing and the positioning of herself and her children or more "republican" than aristocratic. She isn't wearing an elegant dress, and she is sitting casually with her children on her lap.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

     They are sitting up with good posture, and are smiling slightly. This suggests that they are well mannered.

4. Is there significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?

     It is on her sons lap, in a slightly protective position. This displays the role women took in the lives of their children, while also depicting the love and affection of a mother for her son.