Question

Describe the cause of the Silesian weavers' uprising. comment on the viewpoint of the journalist

Answer 1

• In 1845, Weavers of Silesia revolted against their contractors
• The contractors supplies Silesian weavers with raw material and gave them orders for finished products
• But, they reduced their payments
• There were over 18,000 inhabitants in the villages of Silesia where cotton weaving is the most widespread occupation
• The weavers were desperate to find jobs and this situation was utilized by contractors who offered low prices for the goods they supplied and ordered
• On 4^th June, 1845, a large crowd of weavers marched out of their homes and went to the mansion of their contractor demanding higher wages
• They were threatened and some group of people forced into their houses and damaged window panes, furniture, porcelain utensils, plundered clothes, tore to shreds etc
• The contractor fled with his family but were not given shelter in nearby village
• He returned within 24 hours with the support of army
• In this exchange, 11 weavers were shot