The Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Famine, occurred in the mid-19th century, primarily between 1845 and 1852. It was caused by a potato disease known as late blight, which destroyed potato crops, a staple food for the Irish population. The famine led to widespread starvation, disease, and mass emigration, with around one million people dying and a similar number emigrating from Ireland. The event had deep social, economic, and political ramifications, exacerbating existing tensions between the Irish population and British rule.