The Irish Potato Famine, occurring between 1845 and 1852, was primarily caused by a potato blight known as Phytophthora infestans. This devastating disease drastically affected potato crops, which were a staple food in Ireland, particularly among the peasant population. Although the blight was the direct cause, the famine's severity was exacerbated by socio-economic factors such as British governmental policies, land ownership issues, and the reliance on a single crop for sustenance. The British government's inadequate response to the crisis intensified the suffering, resulting in widespread starvation, disease, and significant emigration. The famine dramatically altered Irish society and is remembered as a pivotal moment in Irish history.