Why were potatoes so important to Ireland? The potato plant was hardy, nutritious, calorie-dense, and easy to grow in Irish soil. By the time of the famine, nearly half of Ireland's population relied almost exclusively on potatoes for their diet, and the other half ate potatoes frequently.
How did the potato impact Ireland?
Before it ended in 1852, the Potato Famine resulted in the death of roughly one million Irish from starvation and related causes, with at least another million forced to leave their homeland as refugees.
Why do the Irish have potatoes?
Because the potato grew easily, even in poor conditions, it soon became the food staple of Irish life. It seemed that the Irish would be able to survive for a time despite the tyrannous burdens placed on them by the British.
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