Republican Motherhood Blog

1. What role did the Revolutionary War play in the transformation of housewifery to Republican Motherhood? Republican Mothers have the responsibility to raise their sons to be the next generation of men. American soldiers during the Revolutionary War fought to defend their lives and the liberty of the American people. Over time, new generations can often forget what happened over the course of the war, as they were not born to witness it. A Republican Mother's role was to teach her sons about the soldiers that were in the war and how they fought to defend their values (Doc. C).

2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women? Women became more confined to the household as "That woman should regard home as her appropriate domain is not only the dictate of religion, but of enlightened human reason (Doc. A)." It became her duty, not only to God but also to her country, to stay in the home.
 

3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?  Setting the stage for the process of women's socialization, Republican Mothers gained much more respect. In order to teach their son's about the history of their country, they could now be educated in those matters as well (Doc. B). "The solidity and stability of the liberties of your country rests with you," as it was believed that without these women, the knowledge of the country being passed on to further generations wouldn't be possible (Doc. C).

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

1. Describe the setting. Mary Gibson Tilghman is sitting on a couch in a mostly plain and empty room. Her two sons are sitting on her lap. 

2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why?  How does the woman look?  How is she “republican” rather than aristocratic? Mary Gibson Tilghman is centered in the portrait as she now runs the house. She is in charge of regular household duties along with the education of her sons, giving her some authority. She looks very poised and also proud. It seems as though there is light radiating off her skin. She is more "republican" rather than "aristocratic" because her clothing is more modest and less flashy. She looks more down to earth and homey, rather than being done up with makeup.

3. What values do her sons exhibit? Her sons appear to be very young. Even so, they seem to be very mature. The fact that they are able to sit still, or so it seems, for the painting of this portrait is very impressive. They appear to be well dressed, and like their mother they seem proud.

4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham’s arm? Mrs. Tilgham's arm is draped over her son's lap. This asserts that she has power over him. It also shows that she will be significant in their growing up and learning to be well fit men of society. Her arm also represents her role as a mother in that she will protect him in life.