History of the Potato
Where is the potato native to?
South America (Inca Empire).
Why were Europeans skeptical of potatoes?
They were unfamiliar and called the “fruit of the devil.”
Why did Ireland rely on potatoes?
They were cheap and fed entire families.
What caused the famine?
A blight that destroyed potato crops.
Why are potatoes reliable?
They are nutritious and grow underground.
How did the Incas store potatoes?
By freeze-drying them for winter.
How were potatoes “peace makers”?
They reduced food scarcity and unrest.
How did English landlords affect Irish farmers?
High rents left farmers with little for survival.
Why did the blight spread quickly?
Monoculture farming (mass planting).
How did monoculture farming worsen the blight?
It left crops vulnerable to disease.
When were potatoes introduced to Europe?
In the 16th century.
How did potatoes boost population growth?
They were a nutritious and reliable food source.
What crops did Ireland export during the famine?
Wheat, oats, barley, and corn.
Why did the blight cause mass starvation?
Potatoes were the main food source.
What are potatoes’ nutritional benefits?
Rich in carbs, vitamins, and nutrients.
Why were potatoes “safe” for the Incas?
They grow underground, protected from threats.
Why did King Frederick the Great promote potatoes?
They were cheap and resilient in tough times.
How did British rule worsen the famine?
Taxes and rent drained Irish resources.
Why didn’t the Irish grow other crops?
High taxes and rents made it unaffordable.
Why is crop diversity important?
It prevents widespread crop failure.
Why did Europeans get sick from potatoes initially?
They didn’t know how to prepare them properly.
How did potatoes benefit the working class?
Provided affordable and sustaining nutrition.
What role did language and religion play in Irish identity?
Most Irish were Catholic and spoke Gaeilge, unlike Protestant English.
What were the long-term effects of the famine?
One million died; one million emigrated.
How did potatoes help urban populations?
They were easy to grow and feed many.