Which group is associated with resistance to the industrial revolution through machinery destruction?

The group associated with resistance to the Industrial Revolution through machinery destruction is the Luddites. This movement emerged in the early 19th century in England, primarily consisting of skilled artisans who felt threatened by the introduction of new machinery that they believed was undermining their livelihoods and reducing the quality of their work. The Luddites famously organized protests and actively destroyed machines, particularly textile machinery, as a form of resistance against the economic changes brought about by industrialization. Their actions were driven by a fear that mechanization would lead to unemployment and the loss of traditional skills.

The context of the Luddites' actions serves as an important historical reference illustrating the social tensions between workers and industrial advancements. Their resistance highlights the broader struggles of workers during the Industrial Revolution, including concerns about exploitation, job security, and the impacts of technological progress. Other groups mentioned, such as the Chartists, focused on political reforms and social rights; the Suffragettes campaigned for women's voting rights; and Trade Unionists worked to secure better working conditions for laborers. Each of these movements had different goals and methods that did not primarily center around the destruction of machinery.