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What was the main cause of Irish immigration in the mid- to late nineteenth century?

political persecution

a failed revolution

the potato famine

religious persecution

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The main cause of Irish immigration in the mid- to late nineteenth century was the potato famine, which started in 1845 and led to mass starvation and emigration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main cause of Irish immigration in the mid- to late nineteenth century was the potato famine. This devastating famine, which began in 1845 due to potato blight, led to mass starvation and prompted a large number of Irish people to seek better lives elsewhere.

The failure of the potato crop had catastrophic consequences, as it was the staple food for the majority of the population. Over a million people died from starvation or related diseases, and another two million emigrated to escape the harsh conditions. While living conditions in Ireland were already difficult due to political and religious tensions, it was the famine that directly instigated the massive wave of Irish immigration during this period.

Irish immigrants who arrived in America predominantly settled in the East Coast cities and faced significant discrimination while working as laborers. Their plight was compounded by the widespread prejudice against Catholics, which often translated into economic and social disadvantages.

7 votes

Answer: the potato famine .

Explanation: The Irish Potato Famine created a desperate situation in Ireland in which people were starving. Even after the famine had ended, immigrants continued to flee its aftermath of poverty, malnutrition, and disease.

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