Who or what were the ludditites?

The Luddites were a group of English textile workers and weavers in the early 19th century who protested against industrialization and the introduction of machinery that threatened their jobs. They believed that these new technologies, particularly knitting frames and power looms, undermined their livelihoods and traditional craftsmanship. The movement, which began around 1811, is often associated with machine-breaking and acts of sabotage, as they sought to preserve their way of life in the face of rapid industrial change. The term "Luddite" has since evolved to refer to those who resist technological change.