Ireland Famine

Abstract

Irish Potato Famine, which took place between 1845 and 1852, had devastating effects both in the period and in the following years. One of the most important effects of this was related to human losses without doubt. Even today, Irish population has not reached pre-famine numbers. The fungus named Phytophthora infestans, which caused this famine, was actually seen in potatoes in other countries in Europe during that time. But this did not cause any great destruction as it has caused in Ireland. Human losses as a result of this disaster were due to deaths and migrations. There have been great migrations from Ireland to countries such as Australia, Canada, and especially to USA. The inhumane policies of the British government that did little to prevent or ease the famine, even stating that the Irish themselves were at fault, created such hatred that it fueled the Irish War of Independence in 1919-1921.