The term luddite has become a phrase known to refer to anyone who dislikes, doesn’t understand, or is afraid of technology. But where did it come from? Who were the original Luddites, and what were they fighting for? Learn more below in today’s history lesson – Luddites: Lost in History.
The name Luddites refers to a group of people in England during the 1800’s who protested the automation of their jobs by smashing the machines that performed them. They were lead by Ned Ludd, a man who never actually existed but still managed to entice skilled artisans to join the movement. His imagined confidence and rallying spirit has him remembered as an actual person by many.
The first event of the Luddite movement occurred over two hundred years ago, on March 11th of 1811. A protest in Britain at a textile manufacturing plant for higher wages and better working conditions caused police to be called to the scene, who used violent tactics to settle the fuss. Later on that same night, the workers who were protesting went to a nearby town and broke into a different manufacturing factory, and smashed the automated machinery there. These same break-ins occurred at factories all over Britain, every night after the first until they slowly fizzled out. Factory owners themselves actually began to station police outside their factories just in anticipation of the problem.
Contrary to popular belief, the Luddites were not just smashing any machines they saw. According to their own statements, they were specifically attacking machinery that used “a fraudulent and deceitful manner” to avoid the typical labor practices (Coniff). They weren’t just blindly swinging hammers – there was intention and planning behind every break-in.
So what made the Luddites so famous and well known? It all boils down to branding. Since they were able to use such a specific type of protest that no one had yet to use, and they were vocal about this point, they created a clear and unique brand image that has lasted the better part of the past two centuries. The phrase’s resurgence in popularity shows just how well this tactic worked. Love it or not, the Luddites introduced a new thought into our minds; technology can be good as long as it doesn’t harm humans.
J Louise
Citation:
J Louise Hoggan 