Irelands Great Famine, Britains Great Failure

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Description

This book provides readers with a unique, in-depth understanding of the background to the Irish Famine and a detailed account of the crisis, as well as the immediate and long-term results of the catastrophe. In addition to exploring the ecological and agriculture factors, this work shows how cultural, economic and political influences shaped British attitudes and policies. When the entire potato crop failed in the fall of 1846, what began as an ecological disaster quickly became a political one. Hampered by long-standing prejudice and Anglo-Irish tensions, the British governments various attempts to deal with the humanitarian crisis were muddled by competing economic and social goals. Among these was the idea that the Famine represented an opportunity to purge Ireland of fragmented land holding and potato dependency by encouraging an English-type market-driven agriculture. Changes did occur, but the governments imperial dreams eventually ran up against Irish realities.

Reviews

This book presents fresh perspectives on crucial socio-economic pressures, cultural currents, and ecological factors that shaped the Great Famines course and outcomes. Written with a keen understanding of contemporary political actions and attitudes, its integrative, contextualized approach contributes an innovative retelling of the Famines history to the field. Mary C. Kelly, Franklin Pierce University, US.

Author Bio

Dr. Williams is a retired historian, writer and musician who has taught in Ireland, Germany and America. He has published books and articles about Irish-America and Irish history, including Inventing Irish Tourism, The First Century, 1750-1850.