A. The Revolutionary War was the fundamental cause of women's shift from housewifery to Republican Motherhood. Because men were out fighting in the American Revolution, women were left to maintain the home and educate the future generation of Americans. With time, this future generation would grow into respectable young men, who believed that their mothers were the "nurse and the educator" of "...future man and [his] undying spirit..." for democracy and republicanism. (Document A). As a result, women's role in society became redefined because they were now expected to teach their to express patriotism and to be proud of their country.
2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
A. The consequences of Republican Motherhood proved to be beneficial for women. For examle, they received a proper education and were allowed them to gain some property rights over her husband's land(Document B). Men also now viewed women as a patriot and believe that she "best serves her country by training up good citizens, just, humane, and enlightened legislatures" (Document A). In a broader sense, woman were now viewed as an influence on society as a whole, as women possessed the power to change society as they saw fit (Document D).
3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?
A. The ideology of republican motherhood planted the seeds for greater socialization for women. As previously stated, "...the influence of woman [was no longer] limited to the domestic circle. Society is her empire, which she governs at will...." (Document D). When women recognized their increase of power, they gained the confidence to express their beliefs on other aspects of life. For example, women began to group together, "...asserting the importance and the honour of their sex" (Document C). While women were not initially successful in drawing support for their cause, they educated their children to support their beliefs, eventually leading to greater social equality for women.
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1. Describe the setting.
A. The setting is a room with curtains and a couch. In the room is a mother and her two children, looking content with their surroundings.
2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why? How does the woman look? How is she "republican" rather than aristocratic?
A. Mary Tilghman, the mother of the two children, serves at the center of the portrait. The mother serves at the center of the portrait to suggest that women are gaining prominance and importance in family matters. This depiction does not appear to be aristocratic, but rather "republican", as the mother is dressed in common clothing and is holding her children close to her. The children's closeness to their mother and expressions of happiness suggest that bonds between mother and child were built by republican motherhood. The children also wear common clothing of the time, further supporting that this is not an aristocratic depiction.
3. What values do her sons exhibit?
A. Her sons exhibit feelings of respect and genuine love for their mother. This is shown by their closeness to their mother. This also emphasizes that the mother played a signifcicant role in her children's upbringing during the time. As a result of their upbringing, her children will retain these values, and become a paragon of the American gentleman.
4. Is there a significance to the position of Mrs. Tilgham's arm?
A. The significance of Mrs. Tilgham's arm is that it is on her younger child. This displays the closeness between mother and child which results from republican motherhood. Mrs. Tilgham's arm also symbolizes that the mother of this era will protect her child from the debauched and amoral evils of society, which will hopefully allow them to grow up to become honest and respectable men.
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