Final answer:
The Luddites were early 19th-century activists who destroyed textile machinery as a form of protest against industrialization. Their movement was suppressed by the British government, which executed and arrested many Luddites. Today, the term 'Luddite' is used to describe those who oppose technological advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early 19th century British textile makers saw their labor-saving machines smashed by activists known as the Luddites. The Luddites were skilled laborers who began rebelling against industrialization and the threat it posed to their traditional way of life beginning in 1811. They become infamous for their organized efforts to destroy textile machinery, partaking in rioting, and even setting fires to resist the progress of industrialization. Their name was derived from the mythical Ned Ludd, an individual who was said to have destroyed mechanized looms.
As the technological advancements of the industrial revolution continued to threaten skilled artisans, a group called the Luddites emerged. Government reactions to the Luddite movement were swift and harsh, leading to many being arrested or executed as their actions were seen as a threat to industrial progress and capital investments. Despite their historical defeat, the term Luddite remains in modern usage, often describing someone who opposes technological change or innovation.