The Luddites: The Misunderstood Economic Robin Hoods

The Luddites were 19th century rebels, who in the unjust economic times of the Industrial Revolution; fought the factory owners and the rich by destroying machines in factories. Over time people's views of what they stood for seemed to become a bit blurred; mixing they're fight against the unfair economy with  believing the Luddite's sole purpose of existence was to destroying all technology. The Luddites were strange people who waged they're war on the economy dressed in women's clothing, pretending to the wives of the mythical "Ned Ludd". The humor is evident in thinking of grown men destroying machines in factories while wearing dresses. These people had strong views in believing that people should have a fair shot at an equal economy and hoped to weaken the rich factory workers by destroying their machinery. They were like the Robin Hoods of the Industrial Revolution taking from the rich in hopes of helping the poor, the major difference of course, Robin Hood never wore a dress. In the next paragraph a mock primary source letter in which a fake individual will write to their cousin in America telling them about this radical group of people during this time period will be shown.

The Mythical Leader of the Luddites, Ned Ludd

Dear Jim-Bob,

It's your cousin Rico and I am writing to you today to tell you about these strange people who are causing many issues in my country. I as you know am a soldier for the great country of England and I work hard to ensure that everyone and everything is safe. But these horrible people who call themselves "Luddites" are causing huge issues. These people are going around to factories and causing issues by destroying machines and endangering the workers. They do it all dressed in women clothing, which is strange to say the least. These dangerous and horrible people needed to be stopped immediately before things get more out of hand then they should. Industrialization has been fine for me because I work for my country and I am not shoved into any of those death traps they call factories. While I do understand that these Luddites are trying to help these poor people I don't think its right for them to be doing these things. I will fight until the day I die to ensure that this country is safe and prosperous and will stop these Luddites from their devious work.

Long Live England,

Rico