Luddite RAFT: Taking Sides

Technology has become more and more advanced over the years, which is good and bad. In the 1800’s, a group was created and they called themselves The Luddites. The Luddites got their name from the mythical figure whom they worshiped, Ned Ludd. The Luddites consisted of skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans. These people who put a lot of time and effort into learning their trade became angry when complicated technology took away their jobs. They then revolted on the people that kept using this technology in their factories by attacking and destroying machines and factories in early industrialization. They did this because they thought they would be able to get rid of these new inventions that took away their jobs and gave them to less skilled people. In the following paragraph is a primary source document from the perspective  of a new mill girl writing about the Luddites to her cousin in America.

This is a picture of some Luddites destroying a machine,

Dear Abigail,

As you know, I have recently started my new job working in the mills. So far it has been good, I make money and am more independent than before, I have even made a few friends! The machines they have been making really make work easier and involve less skill. Recently, there have been a group of people I believe call themselves the Luddites who come around and destroy the machines. I have heard many of my friends talk about how they do this because they hate technology. I know they are wrong becuase a Luddite told me that they are doing this because they do not like how machinery is taking over their source of jobs. This is a terrible thing because they destroyed the machine I was assigned to which means no pay because I am not able to make anything and all of the other machines are taken. I do not know why these people think they can just come in here and ruin my, and many other girls’, source of money. The Luddites have a good goal, but do not realize how many people’s lives they are ruining. I personally like the whole Industrialization idea because they are creating more and more cool devices that make my job easier. I am totally against this idea of violence because it is taking my pay away and is leaving me starving. I know I do not have much experience here, but I am going to try to recruit people to stand up to the Luddites once and for all. It is not fair to have people coming in our factory and act as if they own the store, and try to ruin everything we have worked hard for. I can not wait to come back to visit, see you soon.

-Jacquelyn