Who were the Luddites?

The Luddites were a group of early 19th-century English workers who became known for their opposition to industrialization and the rise of factory machinery. They primarily consisted of skilled artisans who were concerned that the introduction of new technologies and machines would threaten their jobs and traditional crafts. Their actions included protests and, in some cases, the destruction of machinery that they believed was contributing to their economic hardships.

This context highlights the Luddite movement as a form of resistance to the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, which transformed labor practices and economic structures. The Luddites viewed these changes as detrimental to their livelihoods and the quality of work, thus leading to their rebellious stance against the encroachment of mechanization on their skilled trades.