The Luddites RAFT

The Luddites were skilled weavers, artisans and mechanics that worked "cottage industry" in Enlgand before the Industrial Revolution forced them to move into cities. Unhappy with the side-effects of industrialization, unfair wages and dangerous work, the Luddites found different ways to protest. Often, threatening letters would be written to factory owners from "the offices of their King Ludd." The Luddites break into factories, destroying machines and cross-dressing in order to make themselves memorable. The following is a letter written from a farmer to his cousin in America, mentioning the Luddites and showing his thoughts on the conflict in England.
*Note: Letter is not a real primary source*

Dear Cousin John,

I'm writing to you from my new home in Manchester. I'm sure you've by now heard of the controversial group over here called the Luddites. There are many rumors floating around about them so I'll try to fill you in with my side of the story.

The Luddites are a group of people who were formerly involved in the "cottage industry" much like I was. As you know, through industrialization, easier and faster ways have been discovered to make products that were made in the "cottage industry." This has taken away jobs from many people, like myself, who made such products at home. Those circumstances have forced people, such as the Luddites, out of their home and into the cities to work in factories. Wages are outrageously low and working conditions are horrid. The Luddites are a group of people who have decided to take action and protest what happens in the factories by destroying machines and factories.

Personally, I have nothing against the Liddites. While I don't agree with their more violent ways of dealing with the industrialization, I want the same things as they do. The Industrial Revolution forced me to move out of the country and into the city. I now struggle everyday in the squalid factories, earning a meager wage. I think that there are better ways of demanding change but, I think the Luddites will certainly make an impression with the people who can orchestrate change. I will neither join their movement or take action against it. The government is beginning to make examples of Luddites and executing them. However, if I hear of one of their plans, I will not warn the factory owners. Change has to come from somewhere, right?

Well I hope you're doing well over in America. I hear your Industrial Revolution is really starting to kick-in now too. Let me know how you and your family are doing. Wish me luck in the city!

Your Cousin,
Mary Beth Marcucella

"King Ludd" symbol and "leader" of the Luddites.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/What-the-Luddites-Really-Fought-Against.html