History Extra Podcast: What Caused the Irish Famine?

Introduction

In the May 4, 2025 episode of the History Extra Podcast, hosted by Ellie Cawthorn and produced by Immediate Media, the focus is on unraveling the complexities behind the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s. The episode features an in-depth conversation with historian Padrik Scanlan, author of the insightful book rot, which delves into the causes and impacts of the famine, linking it to the economic structures of the British Empire.

Understanding the Great Irish Famine [01:49 – 03:39]

Ellie Cawthorn opens the discussion by setting the stage for the Irish Famine, highlighting its devastating consequences between 1845 and 1851. Padrik Scanlan explains, “In Ireland, it's destroyed potato harvests more or less every year between 1845 and 1851, leading to widespread famine across Ireland and the deaths by famine-related causes of about a million people and the emigration of about a million and a half people, or perhaps more” (03:39).

Ireland's Relationship with the British Empire [05:45 – 07:55]

Scanlan provides a historical backdrop of Ireland's status within the British Empire. He notes that by the early 19th century, Ireland was an integral part of the United Kingdom following the Acts of Union, which dissolved the Irish Parliament and integrated it into the British political system. Despite this union, the economic and social structures disproportionately favored British interests, leaving the Irish economy, especially its poorest, in a precarious position.

Economic Structures and Land Pressures [07:56 – 10:58]

The conversation shifts to the economic dimensions that exacerbated the famine. Scanlan discusses two major factors:

1. Land Tenure: The expansion of British economic control increased the pressure on Irish land to produce rent. Irish landlords, often absentee, collected rent that was detached from the land's productivity, forcing Irish farmers to sublet their land into smaller plots to meet financial obligations. This subdivision led to increased vulnerability among the rural poor.

2. Dependence on the Potato: Originally a fallback crop, the potato became a staple in Ireland due to its affordability and high yield. However, this reliance made the population highly susceptible to agricultural failure. “As land became more subdivided, potatoes became more useful. As the utility of potatoes to producing rent became more obvious, potatoes spread further and further within the country” (07:56).

The Potato as a Cultural Symbol [10:58 – 14:15]

Scanlan elaborates on the potato's dual role in both the economy and culture. He explains that in Britain, the potato was stigmatized as a symbol of poverty and backwardness. This perception was leveraged politically, with British propagandists using it to portray the Irish as uncivilized. Conversely, in Ireland, the potato was vital for survival, creating deep social bonds but also making the population highly vulnerable to crop failures. “Potatoes are strongly associated in Britain by popularizers and propagandists with poverty” (11:20).

Impact of the Potato Blight [14:15 – 18:01]

When the potato blight struck in 1845, it was not an isolated event. However, its recurrence in 1846 severely impacted Ireland, unmasking the fragile economic structures. Scanlan points out that previous crop failures were known to the British government, but the scale and recurrence of the blight in 1846 caught them off guard, leading to catastrophic outcomes. He describes the social collapse: “It's hard to put yourself into that place imaginatively to understand just how completely society fell apart, at least for the very poor” (18:01).

Collapse of Social Structures [18:01 – 21:28]

The famine didn't merely cause physical starvation; it dismantled the very fabric of Irish social life. Traditional practices centered around the potato, such as communal sharing during harvests, were disrupted. The inability to perform customary mourning rituals further eroded social cohesion. Scanlan emphasizes, “The loss of the potato crop wasn't just physical hardship. It sort of shredded the basic fabric” (18:01).

Societal Impact and British Response [21:28 – 25:28]

Scanlan critiques the British government's response to the famine, highlighting a rigid adherence to market principles and inadequate relief efforts. Public works and grain imports were insufficient and poorly managed, exacerbating the suffering. He argues, “The pressures of the imperial and UK economy made Ireland susceptible to economic catastrophe... the only solution the United Kingdom could think of... was to apply more of the same” (25:28). This approach prioritized economic stability over humanitarian relief, deepening the crisis.

Potential Alternatives and Historical Constraints [25:37 – 30:27]

Addressing what could have been done differently, Scanlan reflects on the limitations imposed by the political and economic ideologies of the time. He discusses Daniel O'Connell’s proposals for mitigating the famine, such as closing Irish ports and reducing grain duties, which were politically unfeasible within the existing British framework. “The tragedy of the great Famine... is that any alternative possibility for mitigating the famine was just impossible within the political conditions at the time” (25:37).

Comparison with England’s Response [30:27 – 33:36]

Comparing Ireland's plight to England, Scanlan notes that similar potato crop failures in England did not result in famine due to better infrastructure and more flexible poor relief systems. England’s implementation of the Poor Law allowed for more effective distribution of aid, whereas Ireland’s strict adherence to market principles and prohibition of outdoor relief hampered relief efforts. “Ireland was a part of the UK... but there was a completely different, more agrarian, more vulnerable way of organizing economic life” (33:36).

Modern Implications and Lessons [33:53 – 37:48]

Drawing parallels to contemporary issues, Scanlan connects the Irish Famine to modern challenges like climate change. He underscores the structural nature of such crises, emphasizing that they stem from human decisions and economic systems rather than being purely natural disasters. “Disasters happen to us... like a volcano erupting is a natural disaster, but if it destroys a town, the existence of that town... is a product of human decision making” (37:48). This perspective urges a reevaluation of how societies respond to and mitigate large-scale crises.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Scanlan reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Irish Famine and its lessons for today. He emphasizes the importance of understanding structural vulnerabilities and the impact of economic policies on vulnerable populations. Ellie Cawthorn wraps up by referencing Scanlan’s previous work, highlighting the interconnectedness of historical events and their lasting influence.

Notable Quotes

• “In Ireland, it's destroyed potato harvests more or less every year between 1845 and 1851, leading to widespread famine...” (03:39)
• “Potatoes are strongly associated in Britain by popularizers and propagandists with poverty” (11:20)
• “The loss of the potato crop wasn't just physical hardship. It sort of shredded the basic fabric” (18:01)
• “The tragedy of the great Famine... is that any alternative possibility for mitigating the famine was just impossible within the political conditions at the time” (25:37)
• “Disasters happen to us... like a volcano erupting is a natural disaster, but if it destroys a town, the existence of that town... is a product of human decision making” (37:48)

Final Thoughts

This episode of the History Extra Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the Great Irish Famine, intertwining economic history, social dynamics, and political critique. Padrik Scanlan offers a nuanced perspective, challenging simplistic narratives and highlighting the deep-seated structural issues that transformed a natural blight into a humanitarian catastrophe. For those interested in understanding the multifaceted causes of the Irish Famine and its broader implications, this episode is an enlightening listen.