The Great Hunger: Ireland 1845-1849 facts for kids

The Great Hunger Ireland 1845-1849 is a book written in 2008. It tells the story of a very difficult time in Ireland called the Great Hunger. This terrible event happened between 1845 and 1849. The book was written by Cecil Woodham-Smith, a historian from Britain. She was born in Wales but had Irish family roots.

In her book, Woodham-Smith explains that the British government did not handle the famine well. She especially pointed out Sir Charles Edward Trevelyan. He was a British official in charge of helping people during the famine. The book suggests his actions made things worse.

The Great Hunger Book

The Great Hunger Ireland 1845-1849 is an important history book. It helps readers understand a sad period in Irish history. The book was published in 2008. It focuses on the reasons why so many people suffered during the famine.

What Was the Great Hunger?

The Great Hunger, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, was a time of widespread hunger and disease in Ireland. It happened because the main food source, potatoes, became diseased. A plant sickness called blight destroyed potato crops year after year. This led to millions of people starving or getting sick. Many also left Ireland to find food and safety elsewhere.

Who Wrote This Book?

The author of The Great Hunger Ireland 1845-1849 is Cecil Woodham-Smith. She was a well-known British historian. She was born in Wales in 1896. Her family had Irish connections. This background likely gave her a special interest in Irish history. She spent many years researching and writing about the Great Hunger. Her goal was to show what truly happened and why.

What Does the Book Say?

Cecil Woodham-Smith's book is famous for its strong views. She argues that the British government was not responsible enough. They did not do enough to help the Irish people. The book highlights how the government's policies made the famine worse.

Criticism of Sir Charles Edward Trevelyan

A key person criticised in the book is Sir Charles Edward Trevelyan. He was a high-ranking British official. He was in charge of the government's efforts to help during the famine. Woodham-Smith's book suggests that Trevelyan's decisions were harmful. For example, he believed that the famine was a natural event. He thought that too much help would make people lazy. This led to slow and limited aid. The book shows how his actions, and those of the government, failed to prevent a huge tragedy.

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