The Luddites Sending Massages

         The Luddites were skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans who were followers of the mythical figure 'Ned Ludd.' As a sign of protest towards their cause, the Luddites would attack machines and factories during the time of early industrialization. The Luddites were not opposed to technology, as it seems like they are. The Luddites attacked machinery to show that they were upset that machines were taking the place of human workers. There was an economic upheaval created because so many people were out of work, because the machines had taken their place. Unemployment was a major reason for destruction but also providing food became a daily struggle. The following is a made up primary source letter that shows the perspective and opinion of a soldier who was trying to contain and break up destruction to mills and factories caused by the Luddites.

Pictured above is 'Ned Ludd.' The Luddites were followers of him and believed his ideas. 

Dear Anna,

          Hello again my Anna. I hope you and your family are staying safe. The Luddite's cause has grown since the last letter I sent to you. The Luddites are a jealous type who just want their simple jobs of creating goods by hand back. The Luddites are unable to see the beauty of these new technologies. Their destruction and terrorism of our mills and factories is horrifying to those closely related and is making the rest of the country scared for their lives. You know my mother once produced cotton goods from our home, but has been forced to stop due to the new factories. Though effected at the time right after this loss, she was able to understand the meaning of the new machines and loves the benefits they have had on our society.
         Anna, I have not been able to understand why the Luddites are unable to see the greatness mass production will bring to the world. The Luddites have forced me to take extra shifts to protect innocent citizens who could be faced with the danger these maniacs are capable of at any minute. My job as a soldier is to protect my country, and having the Luddites around makes my job that much harder. I have been placed on evening duty to protect the factories from invasion, and I am doing my best to stay out of danger. Nothing can be anticipated with this inept, malicious crowd wanting revenge on the mill industry and new technologies. Wish me luck Anna and I hope all is well in America. 

Love to you and your family,

Edward