Irish Potato Famine
July 10th, 2010
In the 1800s potatoes were a were a major source of food in Ireland. Half of the Irish population depend on potatoes for survival. In 1845 during the summertime potato crops were ruined. A few days after potatoes were dug up they were rotten and slimy. This was caused by a fungus called phytophthora. This fungus caused Ireland to be devastated. During the next ten years more than seven-hundred and fifty thousand Irishman died from the loss of potato crops. The famine got so bad that the British government had to set up many soup kitchens to feed the hungry. However even with the soup kitchens to help many people still starved to death because of the potato famine.
Entry Filed under: Business