The Famine
The Famine Memorial, Dublin
Irish Diaspora
- Despite the Republic of Ireland only having approx 5.million people today, more than 70million people around the world claim to be Irish through their ancestry. These people are known as the Irish Diaspora.
- The Great Famine in the 1840s was the first major wave of emigration from Ireland. (REMEMBER! E for Exit!!)
- During the famine over 1million people died and 1.2 million emigrated.
- They went to countries like Britain, America, Canada and Australia in search of new opportunities.
- A trend that continued right up until the 1960s and again during the most recent recession.
- In 2001 it is estimated that 25% of the British population has some Irish ancestry.
- What is the significance of this?
- Irish migrants have played an important role in the economic development of their host countries.
- Men often took on roles in construction, manufacturing etc.
- This was referenced in the film Gangs of New York and in it's theme song by U2 "Hands that Built America".
- Women often took on domestic service and nursing roles especially in cities like London and New York.
- *More recent emigrants have filled posts in the tertiary sector including tech, banking and finance as Irish migrants are well educated and is currently ranked 6th wealthiest country in the world. (You can leave this one out if you want!)
- Culture is also significant with Irish music, sport (GAA) and Irish dance popular throughout the world.
- The celebration of St. Patrick's Day globally, shows how widespread Irish diaspora are.
- Irish pubs are also widespread throughout the world.
- The Irish Diaspora has also played an important role in politics both in Ireland and abroad.
- Many US presidents have publicly celebrated their Irish roots, incl JFK, Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama.
- Bill Clinton also played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland in the late 1990s.
The Famine
- What was the population of Ireland in 1841?
- What was the name given to a landlord who did not live on his land?
- Who collected the rent?
- Describe a large farm during the 1840s. (3)
- What was a cottier?
- What was a "spailpeen"?
- Tell me 3 important facts about potatoes in Ireland in the 1840s.(3)
- What were the Poor Law Unions?
- In 1845 there were 40,000 people in workhouses in Ireland. This number grew to what by 1848?
- What were the causes of the famine? (5)
- What year was blight reported in America?
- What 2 things did PM Sir Robert Peel do to ease suffering during the famine? (2)
- Which politician adopted a "Laissez-fare" political approach to the famine?
- What does " Laissez-fare" mean?
- Who were the Quakers and what did they do during the famine? (2)
- In 1847 the blight was not as severe however, there was still very few potatoes. Why was this?
- What act was passed in 1847? What did it achieve? (2)
- Why were the soup kitchens closed? Name one result of this (2)
- What was the name given to the ships that brought emigrants to America?
- How much did the voyage cost?
- Other than a decrease in population what were the other 3 main results of the famine? (3)
- By how much did the population decrease?