Republican Motherhood

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

Post-Revolutionary War people started to believe that women should have a solid education so that they could educate their sons to have good moral values and governing principles.  People also believed women should learn how to write, do math, and general knowledge of the English language (Doc B).

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

 Women were as a result expected to raise fine sons that were suitable for society and to do this it was required for women to learn educational essentials. Some of these essentials were things like; sound geographic knowledge, knowledge of English language, legible hand. This was a huge change for women and as a result they became much more respected in society (Doc B).

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

The Republican Motherhood spanned more than just the home. It also extended into the social lives of the country, controlling how society governs itself. So, just like in her home, while socializing, a woman must completely support her country, and hold her family and herself to the utmost loyalty.

 

 

 

 

 

1.       Describe the setting.

The setting is clearly in the home where the mother is holding her children in what seems to be the living room in the home.

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 serves as the center of the portrait along with the children because it is symbolic of the mother’s importance in the children’s life. The women looks somewhat comfortably dressed. She is considered republican because she does not seem extremely uptight and proper and is greatly involved in the children’s life.

3.      What values do her sons exhibit?

The sons exhibit good behavior and appear to be proper with good morals and a high maturity level.

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

Yes there is significance in the position of her arm. It represents her love and care for her children and that she is involved in their maturation.