Luddites: Taking Sides

          Luddites were a group of people that were against the misuse of technology. A common misconception is that Luddites were against technology all together and they weren't. They just didn't agree on how it was being used. To show their distaste the Luddites would break into factories after the closed for the day and destroyed the machines. In one case they even burnt a factory down. Luddites were skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans and when the factories were built they were the ones who lost their jobs. They didn't agree how the new technology was being used and wanted to do something. That is why they protested and did what they did.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-the-luddites-really-fought-against-264412/?no-ist=

Luddites destroying the factory's machines in a form of protest. 

            What you will read next is a mock primary source letter to go deeper into the Luddite movement.

Dear my cousin Annabel,

            How is it in America? Are you liking it? I miss you more and more every day. On the bright side I got a new job! I am officially working for a textile factory here in Britain. It's hard work but I like it. Well at first I liked it. There has recently been a few problems with a group of strange men who dress like women and follow an imaginary leader. I think they call him King Ludd. The group is called Luddites and I hope someone stops them rather soon. They come into the factories after everyone has left and break our machines. When we come back we have to repair them and it reduces our pay since we are paid on what we make and we can't make anything with broken machines. These Luddites have also sent threatening letter to some of my friends that I work with. I have heard that in some places they attacked the employers, magistrates, and the food merchants. This has caused fights to break out between Luddites and government soldiers. I just want them to stop so I continue to make a decent pay to send to my father's farm. Industrialization hasn't just been hard on the Luddites. I have had my share of misfortunes. For example, I am being forced to work in the factory so my father doesn't lose his job. The factories aren't the best places to work either. They are extremely dangerous and we tend to work in the harmful dust the machines produce. Also, industrialization created some country economic problems. The Napoleonic War, which lasted from 1802 to 1812. It disrupted trade between countries or so I have been told. I understand why the Luddites are acting out though. They are simply protesting against changes that they think will worsen their lives. Factories take away their control over prices, how much work they had to do, the cost of materials, and how much profit they will make. Sadly, they are directly affecting my way of getting money so I feel no sympathy towards them. I don't know what to do Annabel. Writing this letter was all I could think of. Perhaps I will let the government officials and soldiers handle this situation. Besides the Luddites can't stay forever. Best wishes to you and to your family.

Your cousin, 

Esther