The Irish Potato Famine............ what is that?????? thanks for any help. can you explain what it is?
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/famine/introduction.htm
oooooooh. Thank you Ms. Sue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're welcome, Kathy.
Certainly! The Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Famine, was a devastating period of food shortage and mass starvation that occurred in Ireland between 1845 and 1852. To understand what it was, we need to delve into the causes and consequences of this tragic event.
1. Causes:
- Dependency on potatoes: The Irish population heavily relied on potatoes as their primary source of food. However, a strain of fungus called Phytophthora infestans (late blight) infected the potato crops, causing them to rot and become inedible.
- Lack of diversity in agriculture: Ireland's agricultural system focused almost solely on potato cultivation, leaving the population vulnerable to crop failure.
- Land ownership and poverty: Many Irish peasants were tenants on large estates owned by British landlords. They faced widespread poverty, high rents, and land restrictions, making it difficult for them to access sufficient food.
2. Impact:
- Starvation and death: The failure of the potato crops led to widespread hunger and malnutrition. Over one million people died from starvation or related diseases, while another million emigrated in search of better opportunities.
- Population decline: The famine resulted in a significant decline in Ireland's population, with the loss of approximately 25% of its people through death and emigration.
- Social and economic consequences: The famine had profound social and economic impacts, exacerbating existing poverty, unemployment, and land inequality.
To know more about the Irish Potato Famine, you can explore various resources such as historical books, articles, documentaries, and online archives. Reading firsthand accounts, such as letters or diaries from the period, can provide valuable insights into the personal experiences of those affected by the famine.
I hope this explanation helps you understand what the Irish Potato Famine was and how to learn more about it!