The Irish Potato Famine
Beginning in 1845, and lasting until 1852, the Irish potato famine caused mass starvation, emigration, and disease outbreaks.
The main cause of the famine was an outbreak of potato blight. At the time, nearly a third of of the entire population relied on the potato for food. Potato blight is a potato disease that causes potatoes to quickly decay, and become inedible. Approximately 1 million people died in of the famine, from starvation, disease, and other factors. It is also estimated that 1.5 to 2 million people emigrated from Ireland during the famine, due to starvation, eviction, and harsh living conditions.
The main cause of the famine was an outbreak of potato blight. At the time, nearly a third of of the entire population relied on the potato for food. Potato blight is a potato disease that causes potatoes to quickly decay, and become inedible. Approximately 1 million people died in of the famine, from starvation, disease, and other factors. It is also estimated that 1.5 to 2 million people emigrated from Ireland during the famine, due to starvation, eviction, and harsh living conditions.