IRISH POTATO FAMINE

WHERE WHEN AND WHAT

• The Irish potato famine happened in Ireland in the mid 19th century, the famine was the result of potato crops failing in 1845 and 1846. The potato crops were not edible as they were rotten and slimy and caused disease when eaten. In 1846 people could no longer pay for more for more potato crops as they had used up all their money in 1845.

THE IMPACT

• The impact of the Potato famine on Ireland's population was that the peasants couldn't farm enough food to feed their families and pay rent with out potatoes. Many were evicted for not paying rent and some were even forced by their overlord to emigrate. An estimated 1 to 1.5 million peasants died of starvation either on the streets or working on the land for their lords.

RELATION TO MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

• The famine relates to the movement of people's unit because people were forced to emigrate, there was nothing they could eat in Ireland. Some were forced to emigrate and some chose to knowing the ships were dangerous. 1 in 5 people died on their way to their destination. Many that chose to emigrate did it to find a new way of life.