The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration -BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND

Before the Great Famine 

By the start of the 19th century, Britain had extended its dominion over a large part of  the earth.  That included Ireland. Much of Ireland was owned by English landlords, many of whom resided in England.  These absentee landlords extracted high rents from their Irish tenants and paid low wages for their labor. 

Thousands of small farmers, or cottiers, lived in abject poverty. Unable to buy meat or many other foods, the people grew the cheapest, easiest, and most substantial crop they could under these circumstances, the potato.  

The Importance of the Potato

The potato was introduced into Ireland about 159-0. It was very successful because Ireland's wet and mild climate suited its poor soil. It was used as food for both man and animal. By the mid 1800's, just under a third of all arable land was being used to grow potatoes. Almost two-thirds of them were for human consumption. The average Irish male ate potatoes every day-and little else!

Since so many people were totally reliant on the potato for food, that situation was a recipe for disaster.  What would happen if the crop failed? 

Next time: The Great Irish Famine An Epic of Death and Emigration - BY AWAKE! WRITER IN IRELAND

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