LAD/Blog #6: "Republican Motherhood"

1.) The Revolutionary War was important to the development of a Republican Motherhood, because the revolution brought about a strong feeling of pride for their country, or patriotism. Women were given the important job of bringing up their children and giving them a proper education so that future generations would be of the highest quality that they could be. This was referred to in Document A.
2.) The consequences of women because of the Republican Motherhood, were the pressures that women faced in order to raise their children in a 'legitimate sphere' and to educate their children to be the future leaders and soldiers, as referred to in Document A. Also, the women were judged as to to degree of education they were given, to see if they could give a good enough education to their children (Document B). Another pressure put on the women was the fact that Jonathan Stearns believed that the future of the nation now lay in the hands of its women (Document D).
3.) Women's Socialization increased due to the Republican Motherhood, because they were more knowledgeable and could therefore carry on conversation of higher intellect with their male counterparts. In Document D, it is brought about that women had power not only inside the walls of their household, but among society as well. It also became that women had the greatest power of all over society and the people of the Americas.

 

1.) The setting of this piece, is almost that of a home. It seems to be set in the living room of the household because of the togetherness of the family.

2.) The women is the center of this portrait. The women looks relaxed and caring. She doesn't look aristocratic on this painting because she seems more relaxed and less controlling than someone of an aristocracy. She seems that she has been treated with equality, but has not been given total control.

3.) Her sons exhibit knowledge, poise, respect, and a good upbringing. They seem to have been disciplined in a way that made them well behaved, yet not completely unchildlike in the way they are composed. The baby seems more innocent and lively in the movement of his arms, as well as displaying his youth in not knowing correct posture at this point in his life.
4.) Mrs. Tilgham's arm seems to be positioned in order to protect her son. She seems to be securing the baby, so that he won't fall or try to get away, as well as asserting her power over them as a mother. She also displays a sense of pride that she has in her sons, and the high-quality education that she has given to them in their upbringing.