Describing the Luddites isn't an easy things to do. They were a very controversial group back then, and still cause debates on whether or not what they did was right today. The Luddites were a group of skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans who attacked machines and factories in early industrialization. They were followers of a mythical man named "Ned Ludd" (who still to this day hasn't been proven to have existed) and Ludd apparently got fed up with working and destroyed a machine in one of the factories. The Luddites loved this idea of a man who stood up againts the man and did what he wanted to because he was driven by himself to do this, and not forced to by someone else. And whether or not Ned Ludd was a man or myth, he influenced this group of people to just start destroying machines in the factories . Men would dress in women's clothing and call themselves "General Ludd's Wives" and destroy these machines. They would do it out of mockery to the people who feared them. These men didn't break these machines for no reason, they were protesting. They were protesting against things like reduced skill in work, factory owners, and especially economic hardship. The next paragraph will be written in letter format. This is a mock letter from a skilled weaver to his/her cousin who lives in America describing the Luddites, what they do, how they have effected the weaver, and whether or not the weaver likes the Luddites.
Dear Adam Joos,
Hello cousin, how is everything? How do you like living in America? Lots of things have been happening lately here! Have you heard about these "Luddites" recently" They are a group of weavers, mechanics, and other workers who have been DESTROYING the machinery in factories! All I know about them is that they are rebelling against the government and destroying these machines because of things like the reduced skill in work, the factory owners, and because of the economy. As you know, I am a very skilled weaver, and these guys destroying the machines is costing the factories lots of money so I am afraid that I will be fired from my job. All of these factories opening up have given me a chance at making some money and being able to work all the time. But at the same time, I understand why these men are doing what they are doing. Like I said, these men are fellow weavers. I really like that these men are rebelling and destroying these machines. No one is in favor of the economy right now, not to mention these factories are awful. I am thinking of joining these Luddites and helping them proceed to do this so that the government will change their ways. Write back to me soon!
Yours Truly,
Sean Conroy
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