Great Irish Famine

Definition

The Great Irish Famine refers to a devastating period of mass starvation and disease that occurred in Ireland between 1845 and 1852. It was primarily caused by the failure of the potato crop, which was a staple food for the Irish population at that time.

Related terms

Potato Blight: A fungal disease that destroyed the potato crops during the Great Irish Famine.

Emigration: The act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another country.

Workhouses: Institutions set up during the famine where destitute individuals could seek relief but often faced harsh conditions.