MEP 9 Irish Migration To Britain

Question 1

Why did the Irish migrate?

Answer 1

• Most came to escape the extreme poverty in parts of Ireland and to find better paid work
• There was a huge increase in Irish migration after 1846 when’s disease called ‘potato blight ruined the Irish potato harvest. Around 1/8 of irelands population died during the famine.
• In the 1840s-1850s one and a half million Irish left their homeland

Question 2

What was Britains reaction to the Irish religious differences?

Answer 2

Most Irish people were catholic - and Britain was a strongly Protestant country. This religious difference could lead to violence, and on occasions angry Protestants attacked Irish areas.

Question 3

How did the Irish get ok with disease?

Answer 3

Despite getting work most Irish people lived in terrible conditions in poor areas so disease was common as a result locals would often blame Irish for causing the disease

Question 4

How did the Irish fair when they arrived in Britain?

Answer 4

The Irish were blamed for high crime rates in many towns and city’s

Question 5

How did the Irish fair with jobs when arriving in Britain?

Answer 5

The newly arrived migrants were accused of taking jobs that the locals could have done. In some places people with Irish accents were barred from jobs. When Irish people couldn’t find work they were accused of being lazy.

Question 6

What was the impact of Irish migration on Britain?

Answer 6

• Britains canals roads and railways could not have been built without the Irish navy
• 40% of the British army were Irish
• Irish music dancing and bars became a part of British culture