NED WAS RIGHT

In the 19th century at the time of the industrial revolution, the textile industry in Europe and particularly England was made up of thousands of small family weavers. With the introduction of the power loom, nearly all of these families were put out of work, and economic upheaval set in.

During this period, a public uprising took place. Factories, and factory owners and managers were targeted for vandalism and personal threats, and wherever these events occurred, notes would be left saying that it was the work of Ned Ludd, (or sometimes King Ludd). This uprising was basically centered in England, but did spread to the continent, making it one of the largest grass roots pubic demonstrations in history. While it was never determined whether or not Ned Ludd actually existed, those who participated in the uprising were generally known as "Luddites".

It should be noted, that the Luddites were not necessarily anti-technology, but that they were against the use of technology without consideration for its broader impact on the planet and humanity.