luddigheten

Luddigheten, also known as Luddism, is a term that refers to the social and political movement that emerged in England during the early 19th century. The movement was named after Ned Ludd, a fictional character who became a symbol of resistance against the perceived negative impacts of mechanization and industrialization. Luddites were primarily skilled workers, such as weavers, who feared that the introduction of new machinery would lead to unemployment and a decline in their living standards.

The Luddite movement was characterized by acts of sabotage and violence against machinery and factory owners. These actions were often motivated by a desire to preserve traditional craftsmanship and the social order that had existed before the Industrial Revolution. The movement gained significant attention and support from some segments of the working class, but it was ultimately suppressed by the British government.

Luddigheten had a profound impact on the development of labor laws and the regulation of industrial practices in England. The government's response to the Luddite movement led to the passage of the Factory Acts, which aimed to improve working conditions and protect workers' rights. The movement also contributed to the broader debate about the role of technology in society and the balance between economic progress and social welfare. Despite its eventual suppression, Luddigheten remains an important historical event that highlights the complex relationship between technological change and social order.