Final answer:
Between 1845 and 1849, Ireland suffered the Irish Potato Famine, leading to over a million deaths and mass emigration. This event sparked political reforms and eventually led to the formation of the Irish Free State, while Northern Ireland remained within the UK.
Step-by-step explanation:
Irish Potato Famine and Its Aftermath
Between 1845 and 1849, Ireland suffered a catastrophic event known as the Irish Potato Famine. A devastating disease known as potato blight wiped out the potato crops, which were the main source of sustenance for many Irish peasants. The failure of this crucial crop resulted in severe famine, causing over a million deaths due to starvation and related diseases. In addition, the dire conditions forced another two million people to emigrate in search of food and a better life, significantly reducing Ireland's population. The British government's flawed relief efforts accentuated the disaster and triggered lasting political and social consequences.
The famine had profound effects, leading to a radicalization among Irish youth and paving the way for the eventual formation of the Irish Free State. Later, after a series of political shifts, including the Irish War of Independence and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ireland was partitioned. The treaty led to the creation of the Irish Free State, with dominion status within the British Empire, while the six northern counties remained part of the United Kingdom, forming Northern Ireland.