The aim of this paper is to find out which factors contributed most to the intensity of the Great Irish Famine and to evaluate the measures of the two governments that had to deal with the Great Famine.
Firstly, a chronological overview is given. After this, several influencing factors like the pre-Famine situation in Ireland or government measures will be reviewed and evaluated.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Chronological Overview
3. Influencing Factors
3.1 Demographic Factor
3.2 The use of the Potato
3.3 The Poverty Relief System
4. Government Action
4.1 Government Action under Prime Minister Robert Peel
4.1.1 Immediate Measures
4.1.2 The Repeal of the Corn Laws
4.1.3 The Relief Commission and the Board of Works
4.1.4 Public Works
4.2 Government Action under Prime Minister John Russell
4.2.1 The Blight Returns
4.2.2 Public Works
4.2.3 Soup Kitchens
4.2.4 Workhouses
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the factors that contributed to the extreme intensity of the Great Irish Famine and critically evaluates the relief measures implemented by the British governments under Prime Minister Robert Peel and Prime Minister John Russell. The primary research goal is to determine how demographic, agricultural, and political variables interacted to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
- The role of rapid demographic growth and reliance on the potato.
- Evaluation of government interventionism and its limitations.
- Economic and social consequences of the relief systems employed.
- Historical comparison of administrative approaches between the two administrations.
- The impact of the Corn Laws and their repeal on Irish famine relief.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Demographic Factor
One of the most often stressed points in examining the pre-Famine context is the strong population growth in the decades before the Great Famine. When the population growth rates of several European countries are compared, it becomes clear why. In the years from 1700 to 1845 Ireland had one of the highest growth rates in Europe. Only England, Hungary and Finland came close to Ireland's growth. In 1750 about 2 million people were living in Ireland. The total number of inhabitants had reached about 5 million in 1800, kept growing and reached a high point in 1845 with about 8.5 million people.
While an annual growth rate of more than 1 percent can be considered rapid for pre-industrial societies, Ireland showed one of 1.5 percent or even more during the years from 1753 to 1791 and one of 1.4 to 1.6 percent for the period from 1791 to 1821. The numbers are even more astonishing when we bear in mind that about 1.5 million people left Ireland for North America or Britain in the years from 1815 to 1845.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the context of historical famines and outlines the scope of this study regarding the Irish experience of the 1840s.
2. Chronological Overview: Outlines the timeline of the blight's arrival, the resulting economic collapse, and the initial, often insufficient, administrative reactions.
3. Influencing Factors: Analyzes the structural vulnerabilities of pre-famine Ireland, focusing on population growth, agricultural dependency, and the inadequate poverty relief framework.
4. Government Action: Evaluates the specific political decisions taken by the Peel and Russell governments, documenting the shift from market-based relief to the establishment of workhouses and soup kitchens.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes findings, arguing that relief efforts were frequently undermined by an adherence to laissez-faire economic theory and insufficient financial commitment.
Keywords
Great Irish Famine, Phytophthora infestans, demographic growth, potato cultivation, Robert Peel, John Russell, relief measures, workhouses, soup kitchens, public works, Corn Laws, British Government, humanitarian crisis, Ireland, famine history
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
This work explores the causes of the Great Irish Famine's severity and assesses the effectiveness of the British government's response during that era.
Which specific themes are addressed in this study?
Key themes include demographic pressure, the monocultural dependency on the potato, the administrative relief efforts, and the political climate of the mid-19th century.
What is the main objective of the analysis?
The study aims to identify which specific factors drove the intensity of the famine and whether the government's measures were adequate for the situation.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author uses a historical-analytical approach, utilizing official reports, census data, and academic secondary literature to evaluate historical relief strategies.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section discusses the pre-famine socioeconomic context, the chronological progression of the blight, and a comparative evaluation of the policies of Peel and Russell.
Which keywords define this academic work?
The primary keywords are Great Irish Famine, Phytophthora infestans, demographic growth, relief measures, and government intervention.
How did the British government's reliance on 'non-interference' affect relief efforts?
The prevailing belief in non-interference often delayed or limited state support, as officials feared that government aid would disrupt the private market.
What role did the 'Gregory clause' play in the administration of workhouses?
The Gregory clause disqualified anyone owning more than a quarter-acre of land from receiving public assistance, which allowed landlords to clear estates and significantly increased the burden on workhouses.
Why was the repeal of the Corn Laws considered significant but ultimately ineffective for the starving?
While the repeal was a major political shift in British policy, it did not provide immediate food relief to the Irish population suffering from the blight.
- Quote paper
- Matthias Giepen (Author), 2010, The Great Irish Famine and Factors that contributed to its Intensity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/166011
