Why did Luddism emerge? Causes of machine breaking protests in early 19th-century Britain.

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🕰️ Time Period: Early 19th century (1811-1817).
• 📍 Location: Primarily in England (Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire).
• ⚙️ Main Grievance: Opposition to the use of new machinery (power looms, stocking frames) which they believed threatened their jobs and livelihoods.
• 🧑‍🏭 Social Context: Post-Napoleonic Wars economic downturn, high unemployment, and rising prices.
• 📜 Government Response: Harsh repression; machine-breaking made a capital offense.
• 🛡️ Luddite Tactics: Organized attacks on factories and mills, destroying machinery.
• 👤 Leader(s): Named after a possibly mythical figure, Ned Ludd or King Ludd.
• 📉 Economic Factors: Industrial Revolution leading to changes in production methods and employment.
• 🤝 Community Support: Some level of support from local communities due to shared economic hardships.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes the primary motivation behind the Luddite movement?
   1. A. A desire to overthrow the British monarchy.
   2. B. Opposition to new machinery threatening jobs and livelihoods.
   3. C. Support for free trade policies.
   4. D. Promotion of child labor in factories.
2. In what country did the Luddite movement primarily take place?
   1. A. France
   2. B. Germany
   3. C. England
   4. D. United States
3. What was the government's response to Luddite activities?
   1. A. Negotiation and compromise.
   2. B. Harsh repression, including making machine-breaking a capital offense.
   3. C. Offering subsidies to workers displaced by machines.
   4. D. Ignoring the protests.
4. Which of the following contributed to the social context of the Luddite movement?
   1. A. A period of sustained economic growth.
   2. B. Post-Napoleonic Wars economic downturn and high unemployment.
   3. C. Government-funded job training programs.
   4. D. Increased social mobility.
5. Who was the (possibly mythical) figurehead associated with the Luddites?
   1. A. Karl Marx
   2. B. Adam Smith
   3. C. Ned Ludd
   4. D. Queen Victoria
6. What types of machines were the Luddites primarily targeting?
   1. A. Steam engines
   2. B. Printing presses
   3. C. Power looms and stocking frames
   4. D. Agricultural machinery
7. What was a common tactic employed by Luddites?
   1. A. Peaceful protests in town squares.
   2. B. Organized attacks on factories and mills to destroy machinery.
   3. C. Writing pamphlets and distributing them to the public.
   4. D. Lobbying members of Parliament.