SummaryWhen the potato crop failed, it took a toll on
the entire nation. Because of the Irish’s exclusive reliance on the potato, they did not have any back up food supply to depend on. It was the late blight that caused the destruction of the crop, fueled by a fungus. This blight led to one of the most disastrous famines in history. Within a few days, late blight could wipe out a potato field. The rapid destruction of the crop could not have been prevented or stopped immediately because the fungus would rapidly multiply overnight. Consequently, the blight had devastating consequences on the people of Ireland. The magnitude of the suffering was enormous for such a small country. During the nineteenth century, Ireland was known to be a religious society and Catholicism was especially central to Irish national identity. Because Irish society was devoted to its Catholic faith and included the church in all aspects, the church was greatly influential and powerful. However, the strong role of Catholicism in Ireland was increasingly opposed by the British Empire. The government was concerned with the church’s capacity to influence behavior and it felt that the Church’s hierarchy was unduly influencing the faith and morals of the Irish people. The potato famine, the British Empire's interference in Catholicism and no hope for better days ahead, the Irish bolted from their homeland in search of a better life. In spite of the hardships in their homeland, hardship continued in America as the Irish were victims of racial prejudice. They were portrayed as ape-like barbarians incapable of achieving success, the subject of jokes and this prejudice prevented them from entering mainstream society. The Irish fought hard to overcome the negative social stigmas that were attached to their status. They integrated themselves in the American society through their various and heavy participation in many areas. They served during the Civil War and flaunted their American patriotism and Irish heritage. They carried green flags alongside American colors during the war. They never gave up. With each generation, Irish immigrants made great progress in shedding the racial prejudices forced on them. They paved the way for future generations to prosper--even a 35th President of the United States. |