The Luddite Movement

Luddism began in early 19th century Britain, at the beginning of the progression into the industrial revolution. During this time, machine production and integration was expanding exponentially to meet the growing demands of capitalism and trade, mainly facilitated by the expansive supply of iron and coal. However, the increased use in machinery brought the replacement of many skilled artisans and textile workers. Concurrently to this increase in structural unemployment, depressed trade due to the French and American wars caused an economic depression, and the additional loss of jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers. Furthermore, the price of grains and food increased due to poor harvests, and the Tory government refused to help as per their commitment to the laissez-faire doctrine. The subsequent desperation and starvation of the working class created the roots of the British Luddite movement. Between 1811 and 1816, Luddite groups began breaking machines and raiding factories, hoping to create a ban on the new …show more content…
As said by Malcolm Thomis, “Luddism did at least indicate that there was a working-class had a voice which they could demand to be heard, or an ‘alternative political economy to be considered” (Thomis, 172). However, after the conclusion of the Luddite movement, there was no recognizable change in the views or laws of Parliament and the upper-class on the working class. Additionally, though the Luddist movement was said to be “a manifestation of working-class culture of greater independence and complexity than any known in the previous century,” (Thomis, 173) there was no newly established pattern of working-class behavior or participation in future affairs. After the Luddite movement had ended, there were no recognizable changes due to Luddism on the economy, working-class participation in affairs, or political