Republican Motherhood Blog

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

During the revolution, while men were away at war, it was the responsibility of women to run and maintain the home. During this time, they took on new responsibilities that typically weren't "womens' work" thus expanding their horizons beyond the typical home chores.  They became educators and intellectuals, whom supported the cause of the revolution by leading education in the home.  "It is here she can best serve her country, by training up good citizens, just, humane, and enlightened legislators" (Document A).  They thus changed roles from caregivers to patriots.

2.      What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
To some extent, republican motherhood limited women to carry on obligations of the household.  It is stated that obligations of the household are woman's duty to God to fufill them.  This is described in the following quote "Our chief aim throughout these pages is to prove that her domestic duties have a paramount claim over everything else upon her attention—that home is her appropriate sphere of action; and that whenever she neglects these duties, or goes out of this sphere of action to mingle in any great public movements of the day, she is deserting the station which God and nature have assigned to her." (Document A).

3.      What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women’s socialization?
The ideology of Republican Motherhood led to a greater respect of women.  They were now depended on for responsibilities other than keeping up the home. "The state of property is America renders is necessary for the greatest part of our citizens to employ themselves in different occupations for the advancement of their fortunes.  This cannot be done without the assistance of the female members of the community." (Document B). Women were given the new duty of protecting their husband's property. They were also expected to teach their children a knowledge of the English language, the writing of a fair and legible hand,      Some knowledge of figures and bookkeeping, an acquaintance with geography, and some instruction in chronology… to read history, biography, and travels (Document B).

1.       Describe the setting.

The picture takes place within her dimly lit home, featuring the family upon a dull orange sofa.

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 located at the center of the portrait because during the revolution she became the center of the household while her husband was away fighting in the war.  She does not appear to be particularly wealthy.  Her clothing is not supreme, her hair not flawless.  Therefore, she appears to be more of a laborer than an aristocrat.

3.      What values do her sons exhibit?

Her sons appear to be obedient and tidy, both neatly dressed and presentable.  The are depicted to be calm as well as content, showing that Tilghman has served her role in raising them to be America's next intellectuals.

4.      Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilghman’s arm?

Yes, her arm is positioned in a manner to protect the young child on the left of the photo.  By keeping him near to her, she can provide protection and nurture, not only of the typical mother, but of an educator who is raising a child to be well-educated, well-rounded, intelligent, and overall successful.