The Irish Famine, also known as the Great Famine, occurred between 1845 and 1852 in Ireland. It was primarily caused by a potato disease called potato blight, which devastated the main food source for many Irish people. The famine led to the deaths of approximately one million people and forced another million to emigrate, significantly impacting Ireland's population. The British government's response to the famine was widely criticized for being inadequate. Relief efforts were insufficient, and many policies favored market solutions over direct aid. The consequences of the famine had lasting effects on Irish society, culture, and its relationship with Britain.