The Irish Potato Famine 1845-1848

Background on Ireland in the mid-1800s Ireland was a farming nation. 8 Million people Poorest nation in the world Only ¼ of the population could read and write.

Background on Ireland in the mid-1800s (cont.) Poorer farmers worked in exchange for a place to live. They lived on the farm. A poor family would live in a single room hut. The Irish poor depended on these farms, and the potato, for their existence.

The Potato A potato harvest could feed an Irish family of 6 for an entire year. By the 1800s, almost half the Irish population lived on potatoes alone. 3 million people

The Potato (cont.) The Irish grew a potato called a “Lumper.” They were planted in March and harvested in Sept. and Oct. This system went on for years in Ireland. In September 1845, the potato plants and leaves began to turn black and rot.

The Famine Begins: 1845 Many thought the rotting potatoes came from the fog. In actuality, the famine was a fungus brought on boats carrying goods. A single infected potato could spread to 1000 more in a couple days.

The Famine: Year Two (1846) The potatoes did not grow again in 1846. It got so bad, many began living off of other food items: Blackberries, turnips, cabbage leaves Seaweed, shellfish Roots, weeds, and grass!

The Famine Continues People began trying to leave Ireland for countries like America. One out of five died on the travels over. It was not until 1852 that the Irish Potato Famine came to a complete end.

Famine Facts 775,000 to 1.5 million died ¼ of the population Even today, Ireland is still affected by the Potato Famine. Smaller population than 1840. Many Irish ended up in other countries (like U.S.)