What were the causes and consequences of the Great Irish Famine?

The Great Irish Famine was caused by potato blight and exacerbated by British government policies, leading to mass starvation and emigration.

The primary cause of the Great Irish Famine, which lasted from 1845 to 1852, was a potato disease known as potato blight. This fungal infection devastated the potato crops, which were the staple food for a large portion of the Irish population. The reliance on a single crop made the impact of the blight catastrophic, as it left millions without their main source of sustenance.

However, the situation was worsened by the British government's response. At the time, Ireland was under British rule, and the government's policies were often criticised for being inadequate and even harmful. For instance, the British continued to export food from Ireland to England, despite the widespread starvation. Additionally, the relief efforts were poorly managed and insufficient. The government introduced workhouses and public works projects, but these measures were not enough to address the scale of the crisis.

The consequences of the famine were devastating. It is estimated that around one million people died from starvation and related diseases. Another million people emigrated, primarily to the United States, Canada, and Britain, in search of better living conditions. This mass emigration had a lasting impact on the Irish population and culture, leading to a significant decline in the population and altering the demographic landscape of Ireland.

The famine also had long-term social and political effects. It intensified anti-British sentiment and contributed to the growing movement for Irish independence. The memory of the famine and the perceived neglect by the British government played a significant role in shaping Irish national identity and the subsequent struggle for independence.