How did the Great Famine influence Irish society during the 19th century?A.It caused millions of people to flee Ireland for the United States.B.It motivated the Irish government to provide greater social services.C.It led to a population explosion that created overcrowding in Irish cities.D.It shifted the Irish economy from agricultural to industrial.SUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

The Great Famine had a profound impact on Irish society during the 19th century. Here's how:

A. It caused millions of people to flee Ireland for the United States: This is true. The Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, led to a mass emigration from Ireland. Between 1845 and 1855, approximately 1.5 million Irish people emigrated to the United States to escape the famine.

B. It motivated the Irish government to provide greater social services: This is partially true. The British government (which ruled Ireland at the time) did establish some measures to alleviate the suffering, such as soup kitchens and workhouses. However, these measures were often inadequate and came with harsh conditions.

C. It led to a population explosion that created overcrowding in Irish cities: This is not true. In fact, the opposite occurred. The Great Famine led to a significant decrease in the Irish population. By the end of the famine, the population had decreased by 20-25%.

D. It shifted the Irish economy from agricultural to industrial: This is not entirely true. While the famine did lead to a decrease in the reliance on potato farming, agriculture remained a significant part of the Irish economy. The shift towards industrialization was a gradual process that took place over several decades and was influenced by many factors, not just the famine.