Irish Potato Famine - The Corn Laws - Part 2 - Extra History
Extra History・9 minutes read
In 1845, Prime Minister Robert Peel's efforts to provide famine relief by importing maize and repealing the Corn Laws were hindered by opposition and protectionist policies, leading to his removal from power and the Great Hunger in Ireland.
Insights
- Prime Minister Robert Peel's proactive response to the potato blight in Ireland, including sending a scientific Commission and importing maize, aimed to mitigate the impending crisis and keep food prices low.
- Peel's political challenges, stemming from opposition to relief efforts due to protectionist policies and the subsequent repeal of the Corn Laws, ultimately led to his removal from power and the cancellation of food shipments, exacerbating the Great Hunger in Ireland.
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Recent questions
What caused the potato blight in Ireland?
Fungal disease led to potato crop failure.
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Summary
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Peel's Relief Efforts During Irish Famine
- September 12th, 1845: Press operator prints over 6,000 copies of "The Gardeners Chronicle" for the next day.
- Editor interrupts, demanding a front page notice about the potato blight in Ireland.
- Prime Minister Robert Peel sends a scientific Commission to assess the potato crop, predicting an 80% mortality rate.
- Previous potato failures in Ireland led to unrest, with tenants unable to pay rent and facing eviction.
- Peel, a Tory, faces challenges in providing relief due to opposition from Whigs and protectionist policies.
- Peel secretly imports maize to keep food prices low in Ireland, facing logistical challenges and criticism for the relief plan.
- Peel's efforts to repeal the Corn Laws, tied to famine relief, lead to his removal from power, with the Whigs taking over and canceling food shipments, leading to the Great Hunger in Ireland.
