According to Document A, the Revolutionary War motivated women to have a greater role in the household because it is there that she can "best serve her country." Women were convinced that the best way to help the war effort was to raise good citizens and educate her children. Women, being unable to fight on the front lines while the war raged on, believed that by keeping a well-ordered family, the peace and prosperity of the state would be assured.
2. What were the consequences of Republican Motherhood on women?
Women had to be willing to devote their time to educating children. However, they had to be qualified to teach, and according to Document B, had to know the English language, how to write, basic math, and geography/chronology.
3. What is the significance of the ideology of Republican Motherhood as a stage in the process of women's socialization?
Republican Motherhood allowed women to become more educated and experienced in teaching others. The role of motherhood also became more respected because of the idea that women could "keep our country virtuous", and virtue was believed to be necessary in order to obtain independence (Document C). Republican Motherhood encouraged women that they were responsible for shaping society, and if they didn't raise good children and spread comfort and kindness, the destiny of the country could be in danger.
This picture looks like it takes place in Mary Gibson Tilghman's home. This is based on the fact that her and her sons are sitting on a couch, and in the top right corner it looks as if there is a picture frame, perhaps holding a painting of her family.
2. Who serves at the center of the portrait and why? How does the woman look? How is she "republican" rather that aristocratic?
At the center of the portrait is Mary Gibson Tilghman. She is the main focus of the portrait because she is responsible for the other people in the portrait (her sons), and there was a large stress on the importance of the woman in the family during this time period. Tilghman looks very content, perhaps because she is with her beloved sons and understands she is very important to their upbringing. She looks more "republican" that aristocratic, because she is not with her husband, and rather than be in the background, she is the center of the portrait which represents the important role she plays in her family and society.
3. What values do her sons exhibit?
Tilghman's sons exhibit their reliance on their mother. This is obvious because they are not the center of the portrait and they are very near to Tilghman. This also represents the respect they have toward their mother. In addition, they are dressed nicely, representing the importance of being raised as sophisticated citizens by their mother.
4. Is there significance to the position of Mrs. Tilghman's arm?
Yes. There is significance in the way Mrs. Tilghman has her arm on her youngest son, because it represents her protection and care for her children, as well as her responsibility to raise them. The fact that she does not have her arm around the older son indicates that she has raised him well and that he is already becoming a proper young citizen and gentleman.
During World War II, Rosie the Riveter was a symbol of the transition of many women from staying at home to working in shipyards, factories, and making munitions. They did this to both help the war effort and to replace male workers who had joined the military, highlighting the necessity of women's help during that time.
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