Always Has Been: Chapter 1: John Kay and the Backlash Against the Flying Shuttle (1743)

In 1743, British inventor John Kay faced significant opposition after introducing the Flying Shuttle, an innovation intended to enhance weaving efficiency. While the device accelerated productivity in textile manufacturing, it triggered alarm among weavers who feared job displacement due to the mechanization trend. This unrest led traditional artisans to attack Kay's workshop, and some resorted to destroying the new devices. The backlash highlighted tensions between technological advancement and economic stability during the early Industrial Revolution.