The What Lights?

When the Industrial Revolution had just begun to take storm allowing products such as textiles to be made with little to no skill, a band of people began to rise up. They were known as the Luddites and they were frustrated by how they had been in apprenticeship for so long just to have their jobs be taken away by people and machines with no skill. They came together and decided to protest against the big factories depriving them of money. They were able to sneak into factories and break the machines to send a message across. To bring awareness to the subject they even crossed dressed to grab people’s attention. Below this paragraph is a mock, primary source, letter meant to display the thoughts of people had about the Luddites. It is written from the perspective of a soldier who is conflicted between up keeping his vow of being a soldier and supporting the Luddite’s cause.

Dear Michael,

I am writing to you today because I have some thoughts that I need to get out my system and I cannot leave them lying around. For the fear that my higher ups will find them and escort me away. You probably have not heard of the new movement going on here since you live across the world but, these people refer to themselves as Luddites. Now, the Luddites consist mostly of people who have dedicated their whole lives to a specific craft. Such as my father who is a cobbler as you already know. They are upset by the fact that they know every single thing about their skill and are now not making any money due to the new mills that mass produce everything. They are losing so much money because although there merchandise is of higher quality, it is also very expensive compared to the mills pricing. So they banded together and started to riot the mills and now it is to the point where they are breaking in, destroying equipment, and setting the buildings ablaze.

I am currently positioned at a mill to guard the machines because it has become such a big problem. It’s so hard too, since I am so conflicted about everything now. The Luddites have a very good reason to protest and riot but, does it have to be at this level? For me, I think it does purely based on the fact that no one would blink an eye at them if they just tried to voice their opinions. You know what they say, actions speak louder than words. Since my father is a cobbler I am leaning more towards the Luddites than opposing them.

 As a soldier though I have given my word that I would protect these mills and do whatever I have been instructed. It’s a tough position to be in; I either continue on serving my country or serve against it. Both scenarios make my stomach flip at the mere thought of acting upon them. Our family here in England has never been rich, nor will we ever be. Because of the Industrialization the poverty is becoming worse. My father is receiving less and less jobs and barely selling any of his works. But, we cannot protest against the mills, since we are so poor and we cannot afford much else.

Also, if I am caught being for the Luddites while serving, what will they make of me? Will I become deported? If so our family is really in for trouble, we will have even less money than before. I really need help on this, what do you think I should do? For now I am going to lay low and follow my duties and be the silent cheerer whenever the Luddites have a successful break. I’m just so confused right now, I really need some advice, please reply as soon as possible.

Best Regards,

Richard Cormack  

P.s. here is a good representation of the severity of joining the Luddites cause