The Luddite movement emerged in 1812 in the United Kingdom as a resistance against mechanized looms and textile machinery. Skilled textile workers feared job loss due to these technological advancements and responded by destroying machinery. The movement, named after the fictional leader 'Ned Ludd,' underscored early opposition to industrial change and highlighted tensions between labor and technology. It remains a significant moment in labor history, reflecting the societal impacts of technology on employment.