Luddism refers to a social movement that emerged in the early 19th century in England, primarily among skilled artisans. The Luddites protested against the rise of industrialization and the introduction of machinery that threatened their jobs and traditional crafts. They believed that these machines devalued their skills and led to unemployment. The movement is named after a possibly mythical figure, Ned Ludd, who was said to have destroyed weaving machinery. Luddites often resorted to direct action, including the destruction of machines in factories. While their actions were seen as radical at the time, they highlighted the tensions between technology and labor rights.