Blood in the Machine
99% Invisible
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The Rise and Fall of the Luddites
This chapter examines the Luddite movement's origins amidst worker discontent in early 19th-century Britain, sparked by industrialization and automation. It details their actions against mechanized labor, including organized campaigns and iconic symbols of resistance, as well as the intense conflict with the government. Ultimately, the chapter charts the movement's decline, driven by escalating violence and a loss of public support, culminating in severe repercussions for sympathizers.
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