In early industrialization, there was a group known as the Luddites who protested their beliefs by taking physical action. Luddites were skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans who were followers of a mythical figure named "Ned Ludd" and attacked machines and factories in early industrialization. They protested for economic hardship, class warfare, and to protest the leaders of the factories. The following paragraph is not a primary source letter; it is a mock primary source letter that shows the perspective of a young girl who is a factory worker during the time of the Luddites.
The image above depicts two Luddites hammering a piece of machinery in a factory. (Tom Morgan / Mary Evans Picture Library)
Dear cousin,
Yesterday was my sixteenth birthday. I just began working in a local factory in order to help support my family and to gain more freedom. I am writing to you out of frustration of this new group that is know as the Luddites. The Luddites are poor craftsmen who are just mad that the machines are taking all of their jobs and that they don't have any money. They go around to factories, smashing and breaking all of the machinery to get their revenge. They don't like industrialization because it stole their jobs, but industrialization has treated me very good. It has provided me with an opportunity to support my family and gain independence by giving me this job. I am against the Luddites because they are breaking the equipment that I need in order to preserve my job. If they destroy all of the equipment, then I will lose my job. I need to do something about this. I am going to report any and all Luddites that I see or catch. There is not much that I can do but this will help to some degree. Hopefully in my next letter, I will have great news of rejoice and I will tell you all of the details.
Wish me luck,
Patricia
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