Why were the Luddites formed?

The Luddites were formed in the early 19th century as a response to the industrial revolution's impact on workers, particularly in the textile industry. They protested against the introduction of machinery that threatened their jobs and livelihoods, believing that these machines were reducing their wages and degrading working conditions. The movement, named after a possibly mythical figure, Ned Ludd, involved acts of machine-breaking and other forms of direct action to express their discontent. Ultimately, the Luddites sought to protect traditional craftsmanship and demand better treatment for workers in a rapidly changing economy.