The Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Famine, occurred between 1845 and 1852 in Ireland. It was caused by a potato disease called potato blight, which destroyed the primary food source for many Irish people. As a result, millions faced starvation, and the population of Ireland significantly decreased due to death and emigration. During the famine, the British government struggled to provide adequate relief, leading to widespread suffering. Approximately one million people died, and another million emigrated, primarily to the United States. The famine had lasting effects on Irish society and culture, shaping the country's history for generations.