British Policy and the Irish Potato Famine: Contributing Factors, Not Sole Cause

The Great Famine (1845–52) killed over 1 million and drove 2 million to emigrate. The proximate cause was Phytophthora infestans (potato blight), but British policies worsened it:

• Economic policies favored British landowners, making Irish peasants dependent on potatoes.
• Land ownership: Absentee British landlords charged high rents; Irish had little control.
• Inadequate relief: Late, insufficient aid; prevailing view that famine was Ireland's responsibility.

Conclusion: British policies didn't cause the blight but exacerbated the catastrophe.