Irish Immigration in 19th Century America Quiz

The Great Hunger in Ireland

• The Great Hunger, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, was caused by the potato blight, a disease that devastated the potato crop, which was the primary food source for the majority of the Irish population.

Irish Migration to the United States

• Nearly 2 million Irish refugees migrated to the United States, primarily motivated by the search for food, safety, and a better life.
• The refugees fled to the US due to the devastating effects of the potato blight, which led to widespread poverty, starvation, and disease in Ireland.

Challenges Faced by Irish Refugees

• Upon arriving in America, the Irish refugees faced negative perceptions, including discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes.
• They were often viewed as inferior, unemployed, and uneducated, and were subjected to poor living conditions and social isolation.

Impact of the Potato Blight

• The potato blight had a catastrophic impact on Ireland, leading to widespread poverty, starvation, and disease.
• The blight resulted in the loss of their primary food source, leading to the death of approximately one million people and the displacement of many more.