The Great Famine, which occurred from 1845 to 1852, was a devastating period in Ireland marked by widespread starvation and disease. The primary cause was a potato blight, a fungal infection that destroyed potato crops, which were a staple food for many Irish people. The failure of the potato harvest led to severe food shortages, resulting in the deaths of approximately one million people and the emigration of another million. The British government's response to the crisis was criticized for being inadequate and slow. Relief efforts were often poorly managed, and many people were left without assistance. The Great Famine had lasting effects on Irish society, economy, and demographics, shaping the country's history for generations to come.