Republican Motherhood Blog

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

It is said here that glorious ideas such as independence and patriotism were seen with new enthusiasm following the Revolution. It was believed that the mother had to act as the supervisor of the household and instill these new ideas into her children, so as to influence many future generations of Americans. This was a critical role for mothers to fulfill (document A).

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

Gaining this new role of instilling Republican ideas in their children had several consequences. In document B, Benjamin Rush points out that in order to carry out this task, education for women would be necessary, therefore he was pushing for increased rights for women. On the other hand, some thought this role should lead to a more restricted life for women. In document A, Mrs. A.J Graves states her belief that it would be more beneficial for women to remain mainly at home and instill their influences there.

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

After always having a diminished role in society when compared to men, women now had an important role to play in the lives of the Americans. As Mary Morris says in document C, "already may we see the lovely daughters of Columbia asserting the importance and the honor of their sex." The growing confidence of the female undoubtedly helped lead to the future women's rights movements.

1. A young woman is sitting elegantly on a couch, while holding her two small sons, who seem to be dressed up in women's clothing.

2. The woman is featured in the portrait, which could be meant to portray her as the central, dominant figure with a significant amount of influence over her sons. The plainness of her outfit could lead us to think that she is Republican.

3. Her sons exemplify the growing influence of women on the lives of children in that they are sitting daintily with their mother and wearing feminine clothes. This perfectly exhibits the influence of the Republican Motherhood.

4. Her arm rests calmly yet firmly over her son's lap, perhaps showing the ability she has to direct him in his life/