5. The Great Famine (1845-1852)
The Great Famine in Ireland, spanning from 1845 to 1852, was a catastrophic period caused by a potato blight that led to widespread crop failures. This disaster resulted in the death of approximately one million people and forced an additional two million to emigrate, significantly reducing Ireland’s population. The famine caused the collapse of social structures and had lasting effects on the country’s demographic and economic landscape. For more detailed information, you can refer to the BBC’s coverage of the Great Famine. (bbc.com)



