The introduction of which crop in Europe led to a dramatic improvement in the lives of the poor, so much so that when di

Question

The introduction of which crop in Europe led to a dramatic improvement in the lives of the poor, so much so that when disease destroyed this crop in the mid-1840s, hundreds of thousands died of starvation?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of the humble potato made a dramatic difference in the lives of Europe's poor. In Ireland, the poorest peasants became so dependent on potatoes that when disease destroyed the crop in the mid-1840s, hundreds of thousands died of starvation (the Irish Potato Famine).

History: The Making of a Global World

❓ Sibling Questions in this Chapter