The Luddites

The Luddites were a group of workers in the Industrial Revolution that were famous for destroying machinery. The Luddite ranks were made up of skilled artisans, disgusted that industrialization ruined their welfare. These artisans were very good at their respective trades, whether it be weaving or farming. Unfortunately for them, so were the machines being created and used at an alarming rate in factories around the world. The Luddites, angry that they no longer had jobs- even if they did the wages were awful- and could not sustain themselves, began to destroy the machinery in factories. Many people believe today that "Luddite" is a term for people that are anti-technology, but back when the term was created it did not mean the same thing. The Luddites would form mobs and riots, angry that their living was being challenged by machinery. Below the picture is a fictional letter created to describe what life would have been like being a Luddite in the Industrial Revolution.


Luddites would commonly dress as women to create an image for their cause.

Dear esteemed cousin,
    Being a skilled weaver here in Britain is not as easy or as fun as my previous letters made it out to be. As you know, mills and factories are becoming more and more common here in Europe, and from what you say, also there in America. I have joined a group called the Luddites. We are a revolutionary group that destroys the machines that ruin our well being. When these machines in factories were made common, people bought their goods from them, because they were cheaper. As a result, I wasn't paid enough. I was barely even paid at all. My company soon went under and I am writing this to tell you I have had it with these "industrialists." They have ruined my life as a weaver, which I have spent many years to become. I was once known as one of the best weavers in the county, and it took me many years of personal connections and hard work to become this figure. These stupid machines came out of nowhere, and took my job with them. I can no longer support my family, and I have to work extremely fast to even make scraps of money. Work is awful and I can't stand trying to outwork thousands of machines. It is just not possible. That is why I joined the Luddites, who share the same views and problems as me. They want to destroy these ridiculous machines, and we are marching down Main Street tomorrow in a protest. Some members dress up as women, to give our revolt a face. Don't tell anyone, cousin, but we are also planning an attack on the mills in exactly four days. We are currently stockpiling the weapons and torches needed, but we will make sure that those machines never work again. They are ruining our life.
      Best Regards,
            Your Cousin