LAD #5

1. Republican Motherhood Blog

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

During times of "disorder and turmoil, when foundations...seem fast breaking up, and the flood of desolation threatening to roll over the face of whole society," (doc D) women were expected to be the most solid part of society. As early as 1787, only years after the Revolutionary War ended, it was said that "female education should be accommodated to the state of society, manners, and government of the country." (doc B.) In 1837, after the revolutionary war had been over for decades, it was stated that the "influence of woman is not limited to the domestic circle" and "society is [the women's] empire." (doc D.) 

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

Now that women played a more prominent role in government and society, they could be blamed for their wrongdoings. After the Republican Motherhood movement began it was said that "whenever she neglects [her] 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." (doc A.) If boys were not raised "properly" and were not suitable to partake in society, then the women has, so-to-speak, failed her duty and can be blamed for doing so.


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

Before this stage, women were simply meant to cook, clean, and stay out of the way of their husbands work. When the Republican Motherhood ideology began to emerge, it gave women more of a purpose. Raising their children to be a part of the real world and being able to have a minute part of government was a big step for women of this time. Home was said to be the “nursery of the future man and of the undying spirit” and women were in charge of keeping it that way. (doc A.) 






1. Setting: Mary Gibson Tilgham and her children seem to be in their house and seem to be very comfortable where they are. They are sitting on a couch and her sons are sitting peacefully on her lap.

2. About the Woman: Mary Gibson Tilgham, the mother, is centered in the portrait because she is in charge of the household. She is responsible for taking care of the house, educating her children, and providing a suitable environment for her children to grow up in. Mrs. Tilgham has a content look on her face and seems to be happy.

3. What values do her sons exhibit?: Mrs. Tilgham's sons are dressed nicely and they are both smiling. One can infer that Mrs. Tilgham is educating the boys in many different subjects and arts and is teaching them how to be proper gentlemen.

4. Significance of Mrs. Tilgham's arm: Mrs. Tilgham's arms are wrapped around her children. It seems as though she is protecting her children and making sure her sons are safe.