The Great Hunger, also known as the Irish Potato Famine, occurred between 1845 and 1852 in Ireland. It was caused by a potato disease called late blight, which destroyed the primary food source for many Irish people. As a result, approximately one million people died from starvation and related diseases, while another million emigrated to escape the crisis. The famine had significant social and economic impacts on Ireland. It led to a decline in the population and increased poverty, as many families lost their farms and livelihoods. The Great Hunger also intensified tensions between the Irish and the British government, influencing future movements for Irish independence.