What is the meaning of the term "Republican Motherhood?"

"Republican motherhood" is a term from the time of the
American Revolution and shortly after.  During that time, of course, the US was becoming
a republic instead of a colony.  Americans came to feel that their children needed to be
brought up differently in a republic.  These children needed to be brought up in a way
that would make them good citizens of a republic (as opposed to subjects of a
monarchy).  Republican motherhood was the idea that women were supposed to teach their
children the skills and values that would make them good
citizens.

This idea has been seen as a step on the way to
women's rights.  Historians say this because this was the first time that women were
credited with having a major role in the health of their country.  If the country was to
thrive, the idea went, the role played by women would be crucial.  Women would need to
do a good job of raising and educating their children for the sake of the country.  This
was a major responsibility.