Sources on the Luddites

Source 1: William King, The Co-operator (January 1829)

If the machine that I work produces as much as a thousand men, I ought to enjoy the produce of a thousand men. But no such thing. I am
working a machine which I know will starve me... At present machinery works against the poor workmen, and therefore it must be his
deadliest enemy... The remedy is simple... Workmen must form co-operatives and accumulate capital... this will enable them to purchase
these wonderful machines... Instead of sixteen hours' work, and eight hours rest, he may, when the machinery works for him, have eight
hours' work and sixteen for rest... Then the workmen will be able to shed tears of joy instead of sorrow over his machine.
Source 2: George Beaumont's "Beggar's Complaint" (1811)
When the Luddites began first to break Machinery, the News Printers, and especially those of London, abused them in the most unqualified
language calling them infatuated men; deluded men; wicked men and ill-designing men. But I did not observe any of these infatuated Printers
had the candor to call the poor Luddites empty-bellied, men-ragged, emaciated, half-starved, dying men.

Source 3: Frank Peel ‘s The Risings of the Luddites, Chartists and Plug-Drawers (1886)
Before the advent of Mr. Cartwright’s new frames (power loom), work was plentiful at Mr. Jackson’s shop, and the men received good
wages, but, as the machinery began to be used, the little masters who adhered to hand cropping found it more and more difficult to carry on
business at a profit, the result being that the men gradually lost their employment, and many of the workshops were, after a struggle closed
altogether. The men watched the gradual decay of their industry in sullen despair
Considerable injury has been done to the proprietors of the improved frames. The machines were to them an advantage, inasmuch as they
superseded the necessity of employing a number of workmen, who were left in consequence to starve.

Word Bank:
Co-operatives: An organization which is owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits.
Capital: Wealth in the form of money or other assets owned by a person or organization.
Candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression.
Emaciated: Thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food.
Power-loom: A loom powered by water, steam, or electricity rather than by hand.
Proprietors: The owner of a business, or a holder of property.
Superseded: To take the place of something previously in use.
Name: _________________

Part 1: Cause Activity

Using the sources, list 3 possible causes for why the Luddites chose to destroy machinery in factories.
Causes (In your own words. Be specific) Evidence (List the source number and best
sentence within as to prove your cause. You
can repeat sources)
Source __
Sentence:

Source __
Sentence:

Source __
Sentence:
Name: _________________

Part 2: Evidence and Interpretation

With previous sources in mind, read Opposing Source 1 and write a paragraph answering the question below
Opposing Source 1: “Fellow Weavers” printed on March 1812 in Manchester
Since I last wrote to you, I have been considering within myself what class of persons amongst you is injured by Machinery?

Spinners and Weavers, are you injured? Least of all person are ye entitled to complain. For four times your numbers are employed since the
invention of machinery – and why? – because your little children, by the help of machinery can earn their own livelihood, and it is easy to
rear a family.

Smiths, Carpenters, Engine-makers, in short tradesman of all kinds, which of you is injured by having clothes made cheap, and employment
more plentiful?

Which of us will not go to the cheap baker, the cheap carpenter, and why not to the cheap manufacturer? – When all but a few receive
benefit, what right have those few to complain? What right has any man to prevent thousands from buying their cheap goods?

All this trouble, loss of time, and expense…because some weavers contrived to make goods cheaper by improvements in machinery.

I am as before, Your Well-Wisher, An Old Weaver

After reading the opposing source, and keeping previous ones in mind, which side do you believe and why?