The Great Potato Famine of 1845-1851

In 1845, potato crops all died and thus begins a terrible story in Ireland. Over a million people died from starvation and diseases because they were vulnerable. Another million people emigrated away from Ireland.

The peasants only had a small plot to grow their family's food, usually less than a half acre. If they grew potatoes, they could grow enough to feed their family.

The blight lasted for six years straight. Famine Relief Committees in America sent ships full of food to Ireland and when they got there they brought people back to America free of charge.