Who Were The Luddites

The Luddites were a group who opposed technological progress. The group was usually made up of skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans and were followers of the mythical figure ‘Ned Ludd’. In the early industrialization the Luddites attacked machines and factories because they were against the methods of how technology was used. Most people however thought that they were a group of people who hated technology all together. Luddites protested because there was an unfair pay and they wanted more appreciation for their skills. Their wages were going down because machines were becoming more efficient. The paragraph that follows this will be a mock primary source letter written in the perspective of a young factory worker to her cousin in America about why she is against the Luddites.  What The Luddites Really Fought Against.

Dear Cousin,

There is this new group that has come about called the Luddites. They are a group of people who hate technology and have been starting to protest. They go around town attacking machines and factories as sabotage. I have recently got a job as a factory worker and enjoy the experience. I made some new friends and I get paid which helps support the family. The machines and factories have helped a lot of girls provide for their families and they might lose that opportunity if the Luddites continue what they are doing. If the Luddites come to attack my factory and machines I might lose my job and not be able to provide for my family anymore. The Luddites are bad for this town and they need to be stopped. The town needs to get more soldiers brought in to protect the factories and make sure the Luddites can’t cause any damage. I am also thinking about starting my own protest against them and see if I can get other factory workers to join. Hopefully everything will work out and my job as a factory worker will be okay.

sincerely,

Jenna