Stop the Luddites

The Luddites were a group of skilled weavers, mechanics, and other artisans who lived in

England. At the time of the Industrial Revolution, they protested technology by destroying

machines and sometimes the whole factory. This group of people protested economic hardship, class warfare, and the man in charge of the factory. They wanted people to appreciate the skills of the artisans. The Luddites did not like how the new technology in the Industrial Revolution was being used. They felt that the big factories were not being used correctly. By protesting against technology, the Luddites wished to be payed more fairly. They were always found to be fighting with employers, magistrates, food merchants, and the government soldiers. The citizens of England were constantly worrying if Luddites were right about technology, and if it was really going to tear apart their society. Following is a letter written by a young girl who just starting working in the factories with Luddites around her.

The picture above depicts what the Luddites were all about. They destroyed the machines in the factories because they were against the way it was being used. (heinakroon.com)

Sourcing of the letter: Emily Fiorenza, a young girl working in the cotton mill in Lancashire, England. (October 6th, 1812)

Dear Katie,

I hope everything is going well for you back at home. I really miss you! I got a job in

Lancashire, England at one of the cotton mills about 2 months ago. The conditions in the factory are horrifying, but I am making a decent amount of money. My father sent me to work here because our family could really use the money. A lot of my good friends are working with me and I enjoy seeing them everyday. I send money home to help support the family, but I also keep a little to myself so I can spend it on the things I want. I am very nervous about losing my job though. A group of people in England are not reacting well to all the change going on around them. This group of people call themselves the Luddites. The Luddites are a group of skilled weavers and artisans who protest the factories and machines we work with because of unfair employment and wages. They may have the power to ruin my workplace and take my job away from me. The workers around me are always talking about the Luddites, and sometimes I think some of them are secretly going along with the Luddites. I am constantly hearing them talk about ruining the machines they are working with, and the word fire comes up at lot in their conversations. If they talk about things that seem like something the Luddites would do, they must be with the Luddites. They always are talking about a plan that has a code name so that no one will know what they are talking about. Since I have been hearing them talking about it all the time, I am starting to catch on to their plan. I think the Luddites are not doing the right thing. If they burn down this mill I will lose my job. My family is dependent on the money I make and I cannot let them down. I will not allow the Luddites to burn down this building and ruin things for my family back at home! I have to stop them before things get worse. I plan on becoming friends with them, and allowing them to think that I am on their side. I will say things about how much I hate my job and how much I wish I could leave the mills. If they think I am going along with their thoughts and the plan they have created, they will have to tell me all the details. Hopefully I will be able to find out the date of this plan. Once I get all the details from them, I will secretly go see the factory owner, Mr.Smith, and tell him everything that is going on in his factory. He is in charge and will hopefully be able to put a stop to the problem so I will be able to keep my job and support my family. Do you think it will work? Tell everyone at home I said hello. I miss you all very much and I hope to see you all soon. Write back when you can! Wish me luck, I am going to need it!!

Love,

Emily