Republican Motherhood

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

The new values instilled by the Revolutionary War transformed the role of women and motherhood. The contributions of women during the war did not go unnoticed, and were appreciated, as was mentioned in Document C. Additionaly, it was now expected of Republican mothers to raise the sons of the Revolution. The women were responsible for the upbringing of future legistators, brilliant minds, and proud Americans (Doc A).

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

Republican Motherhood, while having many benefits, has a few consequences. Where education is concerned, women are expected to know only as much as necessary for basic activities, like reading (only certain books) and writing (Doc B). Women were still extremely domesticated, and in charge of raising the future generation. Should this generation fail, the blame would be on the Republican Mothers.

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

This progression to Republican Motherhood was a huge step in the socialization of women. Mothers were more valued in society because they were appreciated for raising the patriots of the new nation. Education for women became expected, rather than a luxury for few. Additionally, women were integrated into politics, as they were expected to encourage civic duty in their sons. This was a huge step for women for the process of socialization.



This poster was popularized during WWII as women were required to work to help with the wartime economy. This was another step for women, as Republican Motherhood was.



1.      Describe the setting.

The setting is the modest living room of a home. The family is privileged, but not among the "rich" class in America. This can be inferred by the way the woman and her sons are dressed, in addition to the room they are in.

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 the center of the portrait, representing that she is the leader of the family and the focus of the portrait. The woman looks content, most likely becauase of her new position in society as a respected member. It is clear that she is republican rather than aristocrat because of the way she and her children are dressed, as well as the simplicity of her hair, or the scenery.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?

The sons exhibit competence and manners, showing rhat they have been trained well so far. They are already being groomed for the future politics of America, as was expected of young boys at the time. While they are still children, they have been taught at an early age to understand what is going on around them, and be polite.

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

The positiong of Mrs. Tilgham's arm is symbolic of the power she holds in the household. It is layed over her son, indicating that he is her responsibility to raise and mother. This power is representative of classic Republican Motherhood, as the mothers were now responsible for the proper upbringing of her children.