What was the major cause of the Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century? 🔊
The major cause of the Irish Potato Famine, which occurred from 1845 to 1852, was a devastating potato blight caused by a fungus known as Phytophthora infestans. This blight led to widespread crop failures, as the potato was a staple food for a significant portion of the Irish population. Compounding the tragedy were longstanding economic and political issues, including British colonial policies, which contributed to inadequate responses to the crisis. The famine resulted in approximately one million deaths due to starvation and disease, and many others emigrated, drastically impacting Ireland’s demographic and social landscape.
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