In 1845, a disease struck the potato crops of Ireland. It continued for four long years. Potatoes were the most important source of food for the Irish during this time, and alternative foods were not available. Those years are now known as the Great Irish Famine, and had dramatic long-term effects. A million Irish people died from starvation during the famine. Another two million saved themselves by emigrating to other parts of the world.

This is an historical account about the causes and effects of the Irish Potato Famine.