RAFT- Luddites: Taking Sides

During England's Industrial Revolution, a group of  people known as the Luddites became a prevalent force. They were skilled artisans, against machinery replacing people making goods. They believed that there was value in handmade goods, and because of industrialization their business' were being evaporated by the new, cheaper, and faster- made goods the factories provided for their former customers. They became fed up with all of the industrialization because of this, and started destroying machinery to make the point that they wouldn't put up with it destroying their business'. The Luddites weren't necessarily hateful people, and they didn't hate the people who worked in the factories, but, they did wish that the employees working at the mills were actually skilled in the craft of their business' instead of just being a source cheap labor for the factory owners. The following is a mock primary source letter from a skilled weaver being pressured to join the Luddite movement.

Dear Addison,

I have written to tell you about the Luddite Movement. I know you have probably heard some about it already, but Mother told me to write and tell you the details. The Luddites are a group of skilled artisans protesting machinery taking over small business'. They protest it by destroying the machines destroying their livelihood. I am not a Luddite yet, but I am a weaver, and my business is crumbling because of all of the factories and industrialization. I used to have a solid 15 customers who came to me regularly, and I am now down to about 4. I don't want to resort to the violence, as the machines have done nothing wrong, but I am feeling all sorts of pressure from my colleagues to join the movement. I'm so torn; I was to remain a pacifist, but I will go out of business if things continue the way they are, and I feel it is my duty to join the Luddites.

I hope all is well, and perhaps in your response you can tell me your thoughts on my predicament? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Give Aunt Lucy and Uncle Samuel my best wishes, and I hope all is well over in Pennsylvania.

Your Cousin,
Siobhan