For A While The Luddites Had A Smashing Success By Bruce Watson

Technology is definitely a controversial topic in our society in which some focus on the many benefits of technology, such as providing hope and a sense of security for the future, and others, who can relate to the Luddites, can only help but focus on the disadvantages technology creates, such as diminishing employment and taking the “personal touch” out of a craft. The following articles depict two different views of technology, but what can be appreciated by both articles is the fact that technology has and will continue to change the world around us. The article, “For a while, the Luddites Had a Smashing Success”, written by Bruce Watson, depicts the disparity of English weavers in 1811 caused by English Parliament cutting off trade, only
In efforts to stop technology from destroying their future, the Luddites, led by General Ludd, organize themselves into a group of about two hundred men who “stood for humanity [and] craftsmanship”. These men gather in secrecy and even go to great lengths to communicate in secret handshakes and use other methods to ensure their plans are kept secret. The event that catalyzes this movement is when the English government makes the decision to revoke laws regarding the wool industry, enabling manufacturers to use machines. Luddites break into the factories at night and destroy the mechanical looms and frames in response to this political action. Over the next year, the Luddite opinion spreads to the surrounding cities. The raids and
This article focuses on The Soviets’ mission to beat America in the space race. “Soviet Fires Earth Satellite Into Space," blared the New York Times headline” on October 4, 1957 catalyzing the space race between Russia and the United States. The Soviets’ first major development in their mission was their announcement of radio frequencies in which their satellite could interpret. In efforts to ensure their dominating position, the Russians decided to go with a simple option that took about thirty days to produce. Sputnik transitioned the world into a new age, an age that “changed the dynamics on Earth and what our society [was] going to be like.” As if America was not surprised enough from Sputnik, on Nov. 3rd, the Soviets launch Sputnik 2. This Sputnik is ten times as heavy as the original and has the capacity to carry live passengers. 'What we've learned from Sputnik is that a shock can get you started ... but you'd better have a good, sustainable science initiative to [keep] going," says Logsdon.” In response to the pressure from Russia, on Jan. 31, 1958, Braun's Jupiter-C rocket, Explorer I, was the first success for the United States. In March, a citizen organization committed to space research, called the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA was founded. Education reform also took place in response to