Industrialization vs. The Luddites

While the technological progression during the Industrial Revolution implemented many positive changes during the time, there were some were not as accepting of the movement.  The Luddites were a group of very skilled workers who created high quality products. With the introduction of machines and factories, work that was normally done by man was now being done by machine. The Luddites did not like the concept of industrialization and technological progression. They feared that in time, machines and factories would do the work they do, and that they would become unemployed because of this. In retaliation to this, the Luddites destroyed these machines, and in severe cases, burned down factories. However, the Luddites did not destroy any machine or factory they saw. Most Luddites were very experienced in working with machines. They attacked factories that wanted to use machines to produce high quality product at the cheapest possible cost. These factories were what were putting the Luddites in danger. Instead of requiring a skilled worker to produce a high quality product for good pay, factories could hire low wage workers to maintain a machine that could produce a product of the same quality. The Luddites felt that they needed to prevent industrialization in order to keep their jobs.

An image depicting two Luddites destroying a machine.
Via: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/FrameBreaking-1812.jpg

The following is a mock primary source letter intended to show the views and opinions of those living during the time of the Luddite protests.

Dear Cousin,

I am writing to you to address the recent activities of the Luddites. If you are not already aware, the Luddites are a group of expert craftsmen who are against the concept of industrialization. They see the machines and factories as potential threats. If machinery can do the same work they do for less of a cost, the Luddites will lose their jobs. As a rather experienced weaver, I have to applaud the Luddite’s endeavors. I believe that these machines are replacing human labor. Since industrialization has become popular, I haven’t had nearly as much work as I used to. I even received a wage cut because the factories were producing the same products I was for less money. If this continues, myself and many others will be out of a job. I have decided to join the Luddite cause. The Luddites are preventing any means of technological progression. If I want to keep my job, I have to join them. They are fighting for a lot of skilled workers to keep their jobs, an I support them for that. In a few days, a group of fellow Luddites are planning to break into a factory during the night and smash all of its machines. I think I am going to go with them. I will update you on the result of the riot in my next letter. Until then, I will continue to support the Luddite cause.

Your Cousin,

John