Republican Motherhood Blog

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

           After the war, the most important thing for  woman to receive was education. People believed that once the women were educated they could in turn educated their children and raise them with values and beliefs similar to the patriotism beliefs and American values (Doc B). Additionally, Women were also viewed as people everyone should aim to be like. virtuous, passionate, kind, courageous (Doc C). In Doc D, it talks about how although women do not have jobs outside the home, their job inside the home is the most important of them all. That the mothers are the ones who shape the destiny of the country.                           

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

                 Because of Republican Motherhood, so much pressure was put on mothers and females. The standard of which their behavior and role in the society was to be was kept very high. This could cause a lot of stress, as well as little room for failure, and when failure occurred punishment and shame.

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

        Through Republican Motherhood, Women were getting more education, and better education. They were starting to be noticed for the crucial part in society that they play, and they were the role-models that everyone looked to. This really set the stage for when the would fight for Women's Rights, and be able to work in jobs that were usually men, it set the stage for them being vocal in their opinions giving them the confidence to inspire everyone in their communities and country.

              

  1.)     Describe the setting:

            The setting looks to be at a home on a couch, during the 1700s.

  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 is the focus point of the painting. She is the focus point because mothers were seen as the role-models of the family. They kept it all together and were put into the spotlight. She looks graceful, kind, loving, proud, and patient. To decipher the difference between her and a aristocrat, one can look to her clothing and the tone of the picture. Everything is very modest: the clothing, the colors, the poses. The family is not wearing the fanciest of clothes with hats and aren't sitting in posh positions with straight faces. Everything is casual.

        3.)What values do her sons exhibit?

              Both sons look calm and well behaved. They are both wearing clothes that are nicer, but not too fancy. The child on the right seems to be more shy, while the one sitting on Mary's lap looks to be a little more playful. 

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

                  Mrs. Tilgham's arm is resting on one of her sons legs. It is almost as if she is trying to keep him still. This makes sense because mothers had the job of keeping the whole family in 'check' and well mannered.