1. University High U.S. History
October 24, 2019
University High U.S. History

2. From the reading, how would you define “Cult of Domesticity”?
Opening Questions
What was the concept of Republican Motherhood and what effect did it have?
From the reading, how would you define “Cult of Domesticity”?

3. The “Cult of Domesticity”
Evolved from Republican Motherhood
Defined femininity by a woman’s role within the home and family
Four main “virtues”:
Piety
Purity
Domesticity
Submissiveness
Called “cult of true womanhood” by supporters

4. Workforce Difficulties for Women
Only available jobs have low wages
Married women could not sign contracts without husband’s approval
Paycheck went to the husband
Available options: Domestic service, factory work, seamstresses

5. Primary Source Quotes Activity Questions
For you assigned document: What Social, Political, or Economic constraints on women during this time period are evident in this document?

6. Activity Culminating Question
In your opinion, given what we have learned about this time period, what was the most difficult challenge for women in American society during the early nineteenth century?

7. SAQ Practice
Answer the question in SAQ format