Republican Motherhood

1. The Revolutionary War created and codified the idea of Republican Motherhood. The ideas and new national prospects and virtues that emerged during this time period had a great deal to do with it, as patriotism was a big deal within the colonies and it was only natural to see the political scene transfer to the home, and for women to run it as such. The independence granted to the American colonies after the Revolutionary War encouraged patriotism, and women stepped into the role of promoting political patriotism and values within the home.

2. The concept of Republican Motherhood was a step in a new direction for the roles of women in the colonies. However, even though the idea gives women some opportunity to play a part in the workings of America (Doc A), it may be considered a slight step backwards from the roles some patriotic women played prior to the Revolutionary War. The idea of Republican Motherhood is certainly a step above traditional housewivery, but in contrast is not in league with the actions of the Daughters of Liberty and other patriots during the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.

3. Republican Motherhood is a curious intermediate idea between modern civil equalities between men and women and the traditional idea of women’s roles. The idea of Republican Motherhood acknowledges a woman’s potential, and can even serve as an advocate for women’s education (Doc B). Republican Motherhood reflects the idea of American and patriotic virtues in the home, and it is an important role for women to play in society (Doc C). Jonathan F. Stearns goes so far as to say that such a state of living empowers women and grants them a large amount of responsibility for what goes on in the world, in a way that could be beneficial or adverse (Doc D).

1. The setting is fairly plain and the scene appears to be in a simple home.

2. The mother serves as the center of the portrait with her sons clustered around her. She appears more Republican than aristocratic by wearing a simple dress and by appearing very affectionate toward her children.

3. The children in the paintings exhibit curiosity, through the younger one’s reaching out to touch something and the older one holding a bird, serenity, and patriotism through the red, white, and blue clothing that they are wearing.

4. The mother’s hand is wrapped around her younger son in a kind, motherly way. The significance of this is that the mothers of their time were expected to care for their children as well as teach them. It also signifies her guiding her children in the right direction, which matches up with the whole idea of Republican Motherhood.