Luddite uprisings begin with an attack on textile machines at Bulwell

Background. The Luddites were English textile workers who opposed automated machinery due to concerns about worker pay and output quality. They emerged during the harsh economic climate of the Napoleonic Wars, which saw difficult working conditions in new textile factories. The movement followed previous outbreaks of sabotage in the English textile industry, especially in the hosiery and woollen trades.

Tactics and Organization. Luddites often destroyed machines in organized raids. They coordinated public demonstrations and mailed threatening letters to mill owners and government officials, explaining their reasons for destroying machinery. Many groups were highly organized, pursuing machine-breaking as a tool for achieving specific political ends, often justified through the legitimacy of the Company of Framework Knitters.

Economic Context. The British economy suffered greatly in 1810 to 1812, especially in terms of high unemployment and inflation. Luddites were not opposed to machines per se, as many were skilled operators; they attacked manufacturers who were trying to circumvent standard labour practices of the time.