8His1

What was the immediate cause of the Great Irish Famine?

• Potato blight
• Corn Laws
• Overpopulation
• Tenant farmer uprisings

Answer explanation

The famine was triggered by potato blight, a plant disease that destroyed the main food source.

Why was potato blight especially devastating for Ireland?

• Because the poor relied primarily on potatoes
• Because potatoes were exported for profit
• Because the British government banned other crops
• Because potatoes were a luxury food

Answer explanation

Tenant farmers relied heavily on potatoes since their plots were small and insecure and potatoes were easy to grow in Ireland's wet environment, they were also very nutrient dense and filling

What was Ireland’s population before the famine?

• 8.5 million
• 5 million
• 10 million
• 12 million

Answer explanation

Ireland’s population was about 8.5 million before the famine.

Approximately how many people died during the famine?

• 1 million
• 500000.0
• 2.5 million
• 4 million

Answer explanation

Over a million people died from starvation and disease.

Which countries did many Irish people emigrate to during the famine?

• United States, Canada, and Britain
• Australia and New Zealand
• France and Spain
• Germany and Italy

Answer explanation

A million Irish people emigrated to the US, Canada, and Britain.

Which economic belief influenced the British government’s response to the famine?

• Laissez-faire
• Keynesianism
• Socialism
• Mercantilism

Answer explanation

The British government believed in laissez-faire, limiting their intervention.

What type of food did the British import that was hard to cook and digest?

• Indian corn (maize)
• Rice
• Wheat
• Barley

Answer explanation

The government imported Indian corn, which many Irish found difficult to prepare and eat, it also wasn't as nutritious

What law did the British repeal during the famine?

• Corn Laws
• Navigation acts
• Irish Land Acts
• Act of Union

Answer explanation

The Corn Laws were repealed to lower the price of grain.

What do critics argue about the British government’s role in the famine?

• They were criminally negligent
• They helped Ireland effectively
• They banned Irish emigration
• They distributed food generously

Answer explanation

Critics argue that Britain’s slow response and continued exports showed negligence.

What long-term impact did the famine have on Irish nationalism?

• It strengthened Irish nationalism
• It had no impact
• It weakened Irish nationalism
• It ended Irish nationalism

Answer explanation

The famine became a rallying cry for Irish independence and nationalism.