Between 1845 and 1850, what food caused the Great Irish Famine?

Between 1845 and 1850, the Great Irish Famine was caused mainly by a lack of potatoes, but also by blights on potatoes, thus the alternative name, "The Great Irish Potato Famine".

One of the most tragic events in Irish history, the Great Irish Potato Famine, claimed the lives of at least one million, as well as being the main reason for mass-emigration from Ireland to other countries like the USA, the UK, Australia or Canada. This caused Ireland's population to drop by as much as 25%. The famine had its largest impact in the Irish-speaking counties (Irish states) which were present in the South and the West. The Great Irish Famine wasn't only one of the largest famines in World history, but also one of the largest migration periods from a single island in World history.

It was a time of utter grief and starvation, where everybody was fighting each other for the little food that still existed in Ireland back then.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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35 Comments

Lisa Rodrigues

Potatoes did not cause the famine - a lack of potatoes was the cause.

Mark A

You missed out the massive part in that played by the British Government.

William Laughlin

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JohnnyRoulette

There was food in Ireland. It was being shipped to England. I recommend reading Paddy’s Lament.

Noelle Waugh

The famine came about because the English demanded so much in taxes that all of the crops the Irish grew were taken by the English as payment and the Irish could only afford to grow potatoes to eat as their staple diet. When the potatoes got diseased there were no other vegetables available for them to eat and hence they starved.

Ellen Sheehan

No food or lack of food caused the famine. Yes, there was a potato blight but the deaths were caused by an oppressive foreign government (England) bent on taking everything (massive amounts of grain, for one) that they could. That the Irish were dying suited their purpose, as well. Not for nothing we’re the British invaders hated around the world, including in America.