Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

What was the primary cause for the increase in immigration from Ireland during the 1840s?

1. A civil war that broke out in Ireland

2. The long-lasting conflict between French and Irish prime ministers

3. An attempt to escape from the religious persecution occurring in their homeland

4. A potato famine in Ireland

The correct answer is: A potato famine in Ireland

The primary cause for the increase in immigration from Ireland during the 1840s was the catastrophic potato famine, known as the Great Famine or the Irish Potato Famine. This devastating event began in 1845 and lasted until around 1852. It was triggered by a potato blight that resulted in the failure of the potato crop, which was a staple food in Ireland for many people. As the famine worsened, millions of Irish people faced starvation and dire poverty, prompting them to seek a better life elsewhere, particularly in the United States. This mass exodus had significant implications for both Ireland and the U.S., as the influx of Irish immigrants helped to shape cultural, political, and social dynamics in many American cities. The other options, such as civil war, international political conflicts, and religious persecution, do not adequately represent the widespread and immediate impact of the famine on Irish society at the time.