Luddites

** LUDDITES **

__What?__
Luddism, a grassroots movement founded by Ned Ludd, was a form of protest led by textile artisans in the 19th century. The Luddites' anger was guided towards factory machinery, as they felt that their skills were being replaced by cheap, unskilled labourers who operated the industrial machines.

__Who?__
Nowadays, the term 'Luddite' describes somebody who is afraid of technology, which seems strange when one is unfamiliar with its history. A more accurate description of the term 'Luddite' is someone who is against technology because it replaces them in the workplace. This was what happened during the //Enclosure Movement// in 1770, where 12 million acres of shared land was allowed to be owned privately, resulting in a massive job loss to workers. These workers (skilled artisans, textile workers, etc..), now unable to sufficiently provide for their family, formed a rebellion group called the Luddites.

The term 'Luddite' originates from a fictional (or perhaps real) character named Ned Ludd. He was said to be an apprentice weaver near Leicester and had once smashed a machine in a fit of rage with his master. This concept influenced the future actions of the Luddites whom began smashing machines in their raids.

The name 'General Ludd' became the group's representative as their riots progressively became more violent and their numbers increased. They soon became the 'Army of Redressers'.

//Chant no more your old rhymes about bold Robin Hood,// //His feats I but little admire// //will sing the// //Achievements of General Ludd//  //Now the Hero of Nottinghamshire//  //Brave Ludd was to measures of violence unused//  //Till his sufferings became so severe////That at last to defend his own Interest he rous'd//  //-//Ned Ludd

__When?__ The Luddite movement started in 1811 and continues to about 1817, and continues to present-day. The only difference is today, “Luddite” is a term used to refer to anyone who is opposed to technology, and not to underprivileged artisans who wanted to fight for their right to pursue their skills.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">__Where?__ <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">At the heart of the Industrial Revolution, in England. Ned Ludd was originally from Nottingham, but the attacks spread to Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Huddersfield, Halifax, Wakefield and Leeds.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: justify;">Why? <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The main reason the Luddites were angry was at the loss of their work and the loss of their art. As the Industrial Revolution boomed, the demand for material goods increased, therefore the supply decreased. To balance the supply and demand, more machines started to be built, machines that were faster and more efficient. Soon, the demand for textile workers decreased and the demand for machine operators increased. Hand-made goods were starting to become obsolete as more and more people wanted cheaper goods that were produced by machines. This angered the Luddites, whose work became unappreciated. Luddites, who were once skilled artisans, were now being replaced by unskilled machine operators. Also, the living conditions of the time angered the Luddites, as the demand for goods during the Industrial Revolution resulted in mistreatment of the workers, skilled or not. These factors contributed to the anger and the protests of the Luddites.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**To conclude...** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">As Luddite's actions became detrimental to society's daily routines, the government soon passed a law stating that the destruction of a machine was a criminal offence that consequently resulted in death. It was clear they did not care to help the workers who were now in desperate need of money and food. This law was a bold declaration that the government held machines as greater importance then their people. The worker's pleas for working conditions appeared to others as a distinct rebillion against the government and nothing more. Eventually the government's repression cracked down on the Luddites for the movement to die off.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">In the end, the Luddites had destroyed approximately £100,000 worth in damage within 14 months.The government spent £500,000 in salaries for it's military force against the Luddites.In conclusion, £1.5 million had been spent relating to the Luddite movement.

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