The Great Hunger: Ireland 1845–1849

The Great Hunger, Ireland, 1845%E2%80%931849

The Great Hunger: Ireland 1845–1849, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, was a period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration in Ireland that occurred between 1845 and 1849. It is also sometimes referred to as the Great Famine. The event is among the most catastrophic in Irish history and is considered a pivotal moment that shaped both the Irish and Irish-American identity.

Causes

The primary cause of The Great Hunger was a potato disease known as late blight (Phytophthora infestans). The potato was central to the Irish diet, and the appearance of this disease led to a catastrophic failure of the potato crops over successive years. However, the famine's severity was compounded by a range of social, economic, and political factors, including British government policy, land tenure systems, and a lack of effective relief measures.

Impact

The Great Hunger had a profound impact on Ireland, with the population falling by between 20% and 25% due to death and emigration. It is estimated that about one million people died from starvation or famine-related diseases, and a similar number emigrated, mainly to North America and Britain. The famine left deep social and cultural scars and contributed to a long period of social and political unrest.

Relief Efforts

Relief efforts during the famine were inadequate and often mismanaged. Initially, the British government sought to address the crisis through a combination of public works programs, soup kitchens, and corn imports. However, these measures were often too little, too late, and were hampered by a prevailing ideology that stressed non-interference in the economy. The Poor Law system, which was designed to provide relief for the destitute, was overwhelmed, and workhouses became overcrowded with famine victims.

Legacy

The legacy of The Great Hunger is complex and enduring. It profoundly affected Irish culture, with themes of emigration, loss, and resilience becoming central to the national narrative. The famine also had a lasting impact on the global Irish diaspora, shaping Irish-American identity in particular. In Ireland, the famine is remembered through various memorials and through the teaching of its history in schools.

See Also

• History of Ireland
• Potato Famine (disambiguation)
• Irish Diaspora
• Economic History of Ireland