Why was Ireland experiencing poverty in the late 1700's and early 1800's?

http://www.sneydobone.com/webtree/history-ir.htm

Also try this site:

http://www.historyireland.com/category/wwi/

Ireland experienced poverty in the late 1700s and early 1800s due to several interconnected factors. The key reasons include the following:

1. British Colonial Policies: Ireland was under British colonial rule during this period, and British policies heavily favored the interests of the English ruling class, often at the expense of the Irish population. The Penal Laws, for example, placed severe restrictions on the rights of Irish Catholics, further marginalizing and impoverishing them.

2. Land Ownership and Agriculture: Land ownership patterns in Ireland favored absentee English landlords, who often charged exorbitant rents and ignored the welfare of their tenants. Additionally, the majority of Irish farmers relied heavily on potato cultivation, which made them vulnerable to crop failures, as we would later see during the Great Famine.

3. Discriminatory Trade Practices: The British government imposed restrictions on Irish trade, creating an imbalance that favored English merchants and industries. This hindered Irish economic development and resulted in more poverty.

4. Population Growth and Overdependence on Agriculture: Ireland's population grew significantly during this time, putting strain on limited resources. The majority of the population relied on subsistence agriculture, which exacerbated poverty levels as land became increasingly divided among growing numbers of peasant farmers.

5. Absence of Industrialization: Unlike Britain, Ireland failed to undergo an industrial revolution during this period. This lack of industrialization limited employment opportunities, leaving many Irish people in poverty-stricken rural areas.

6. Limited Relief Efforts: In times of economic downturn or agrarian crisis, such as the potato blight in the 1840s, the British government failed to adequately provide relief aid and support for the Irish population, aggravating poverty.

To understand these factors further and gain a more comprehensive understanding, I recommend exploring books and scholarly articles on Irish history during this period.