Republican Motherhood Blog

1.  What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood?
"Republican Motherhood" centered on the belief that children should be raised to uphold the ideals of republicanism, making them the ideal citizens of the new nation.  After the Revolutionary War, people began believing that it was the mother's 'civic duty' to uphold the republican beliefs within the household (Document B).  Mother's were supposed to encourage their sons to pursue liberty and roles in government, while their daughters would perpetuate the domestic sphere of the next generation.  As opposed to before the Revolution, women's rights afterwards greatly increased (Document D).


2.  What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
Women had the essential role of instilling their children with values conducive to a healthy republic.  They were supposed to make sure that the next generation would be able to uphold the republican zeal that was created during the revolution (Document A).  Not only did this show a growing respect for the intellect of women, but it also began slightly opening the gates to more women's rights.  Not only was their education and religious affiliations strengthened, but the relationship with their husband also became more liberal (Document C).   Love and affection instead of obedience and subservience began to characterize the ideal marital relationship.


3.  What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?
The belief of "Republican Motherhood" was one of the first major bricks that would bridge the gap to the equality of men and women.  Its significance is that it was one of the first major signs that showed a growing respect of men towards women.  Not only were they encouraged to become more educated and knowledgeable, but they were also given the extremely important responsibility of withholding the republican belief within society (Document D).   




1.  Describe the setting.
The setting of this portrait seems to be in a living room or family room environment within a home.  There is a red couch in the background as well as a bland blueish-grey wallpaper.  Also, there appears to be a mirror or painting in the upper right hand corner of the portrait.


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 in the center of the portrait.  I believe that she is in the center because that was the mother's role in society as the belief of the "Republican Motherhood" grew.  The mother was supposed to be the one to lead her children down the right path to beliefs of liberty and republicanism.  She looks happy and content to be in the center of the family.  Her clothes seem laid back (not too laid back nor too dressed up).  The way she is dressed indicates that she is not aristocratic -- she is not wearing any extravagant or 'up tight' clothing.  She seems to be dressed modestly and is actually showing care towards her son (paintings did not show this family closeness in aristocratic beliefs).


3.  What values do her sons exhibit?
The values that her sons exhibit are happiness, innocence, freedom, and lovingness.  They appear to have no worries and are happily sitting with their mother (they appear to show great affection to).  By portraying these values, the painter is able to illustrate a good sign for republicanism.


4.  Is the significance to the position of Mrs. Tilghman's arm?
The significance of Mrs. Tighman's arm placement is due to the fact that it is in the lap of one of her children.  Generally, women were not usually known to show such great affection and closeness towards their children.  She is basically eluding that she cares for her children and is leading them down the right path... to liberty.