The
Luddites were a group of protesters in England during the Industrial Revolution
who were followers of the mythical Ned Ludd. They once were skilled artisans
and factory workers, but started to attack factories and destroy machines. They
would cross-dress and break into factories to smash machines with hammers as a
form of protest. The Luddites did not protest against the technology itself,
they protested against unfair pay and working conditions. They were also opposed
to the misuse of technology and wanted the world to think about how technology
can hurt or help people before using it. This mock primary source is a letter
from a soldier sent to protect a factory that is a potential target of the
Luddites. He is writing to his cousin in America about the situation.
November 15, 1812
My
dear cousin,
I
am writing to inform you of the difficult times I am experiencing here in
England at this time. I have just been stationed to protect a textile factory
in Manchester. A group of cross-dressing terrorists called the Luddites has
been destroying factories all around the area, so the factory owner has
requested our assistance. Thankfully, I hear that the Luddites are not
inherently violent people and have apparently only killed one man so far in
their attacks. These criminals are allegedly carrying out these attacks as a
form of protest towards factory conditions. In the time I have been stationed
here, I have seen the dangerous working conditions and the poor workers present
in these factories. While I understand why the Luddites feel a need to protest
these conditions, violence is not the answer. I hope that the Luddites never
attack this factory, for I do not want to have to harm them. I hear these men once worked in the factories and are
good people with families to provide for. I understand their need for protest
and hope it helps them somehow. However, it does not matter to me their cause
because I have orders to kill any Luddites that try to attack this factory and
I do not intend to defy orders and risk my life for a cause that does not
affect me. I, after all, make plenty of money to support my family. I hope this
situation is resolved soon and I can return home safely. I hope to visit you in
America soon.
Sincerely,
Your dear cousin
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