Luddites were people in the early 19th century
who fought against the effects that Industrialization had on the population. In
England, factory owners would use orphans to do the work in their factories,
usually for absolutely no pay. This incredibly cheap labor force created no
need for the artisans and merchants who had once held a prominent position in
society. The artisans and merchants, who became to Luddites, revolted because
they believed that the people working in the factories should have knowledge of
their craft and not just be children off the streets, and that they should be
paid accordingly. While in America they at least paid the girls working in factories,
and they got time off, things were still much the same. What follows is a mock
letter from one American factory worker, a young girl, to her cousin explaining
what she felt during this time.
Dear Mary,
These are fearful times indeed. It is with much
anxiety that I write you from my mill in Lowell, and try to explain my
predicament. Last night, a group of Luddites, I believe they were all skilled
weavers, broke into our mill and broke almost 20 machines. We girls were just
leaving the room, and a few of the girls actually went with them to help. I had
heard talk of striking, but this was the first action anyone had done about it.
The wages here aren’t the best but they are enough to get by, and we are fed,
decently rested, and kept busy. Many girls this age have next to nothing, so I
feel that we should at least be thankful we have this. If the overseers cannot
catch the men who did this they will likely blame us, and it is us who would be
punished. I do not hate my job here in the mill, but that could easily change
if our wages are taken away or we are given less time off, as I am quite tired
as it is. I pray that these Luddites may stop, or be caught, so that we may
continue our work uninterrupted and maybe more girls will come to appreciate
that they are much better off here than a lot of girls out on farms or
wherever. I would ask any advice you may give to play my part, as I am new to
this and have no clue if saying anything would help us or just hurt my position
among the other girls.
Love,
Rebecca
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