Irish Famine

The Irish Famine (1845–1852) — caused by potato blight destroying Ireland's primary crop — killed approximately 1 million people and drove 1–2 million to emigrate. Before the famine, Ireland's population was 8 million; it fell to 6 million and continued declining. Ireland's population today (North and Republic combined) is still below its pre-famine peak. The famine had enormous historical consequences — the Irish diaspora (particularly in the United States) created a powerful Irish-American political force that shaped American politics for generations. Resentment at British government inaction (food exports from Ireland continued during the famine) intensified Irish nationalism, contributing eventually to Irish independence. 40 million Americans identify as Irish-American, largely due to famine emigration.