Why Ireland Has Fewer People Than 200 Years Ago
video description
Most of the land was owned by English lords, who were not resident in Ireland, so their estates were managed. Irish Catholics were banned from land ownership in large areas, particularly in very fertile areas. As a result most of the native Irish Catholic population were tennant farmers, paying their landowners.
Each landowner was expected to export a certain proportion of his crop/livestock to England. Essentially England used Ireland as their personal larder.
Each tennant farmer had a quota to make, in order to be exported. If the landowners manager did not think the farmer provided enough, they would engage baliffs to remove more food and livestock from that farmer. If there was nothing else to take, the farmer and his family were evicted/deported to the colonies.
Potatoes could be grown in otherwise poor soil, not suitable for higher yield, profitable arable crops such as grains, or for good quality grazing for more expensive cattle.
As a result, potatoes were often the only crop that tennant farmers could grow for themselves on land not given over to the crops the landlords wanted for export.
Tennant farmers subsisted on a diet of potatoes, dairy products from a poorer quality cow, whatever vegetables they could grow for themselves and whatever fish/game they could catch.
Many of the waterways were also owned by English landowners, so often fishing was not possible legally.
The birth rate in Ireland may have been high, but so was the death rate, particularly in infants.
Tennet farmers were dependant on their children for farm labour, and in particular male children to be able to take over the farm if the family were allowed to stay for another generation.
The English caused the Genocide of the Irish.
They then went on to use this blueprint repeatedly with other countries they had colonised
The National Library of Ireland has many resources as a starting point for anyone interested in this controvertial period in Irish history.
Date: 2023-12-14
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 29
reallifelore
Potatoes had succumbed to problems in other countries before. If only the potatoes had been grown alongside big hedgerows of gooseberry (something like Ribes Uva Crispa, people there would have had a high in nutrients fruit and Vitamin-C and carbohydrate whilst the tatties were out of action, even with fresh fruit and stored fruit-leathers and jam-like products as a good prepping. In the 'timeline', even though the farms would have the hedgerows, also, every house would have at least 6 one-foot square puts with gooseberry plants in compost and a fish spine/head in the botom of the pot. Maybe 3 red gooseberry and 3 green gooseberry to make the 6 plant pots. A standard label to copy and stick to the side of each pot would explain it with pictures. Text would not be needed but would be added as instructions anyway for the subset of people who find it efficient to read aloud to other people. There simply would have been an avoided famine _(and good immune system BOOST BTW. _ Mustard cress dug into the soil _(delaying wire-worm)_ and alliums grown neaarby would be worth it here and there too.
My comment has no hate in it and I do no harm. I am not appalled or afraid, boasting or envying or complaining. Just saying. Psalms23: Giving thanks and praise to the Lord and peace and love. Also, I'd say Matthew6.
reply
Potatoes had succumbed to problems in other countries before. If only the potatoes had been grown alongside big hedgerows of gooseberry (something like Ribes Uva Crispa, people there would have had a high in nutrients fruit and Vitamin-C and carbohydrate whilst the tatties were out of action, even with fresh fruit and stored fruit-leathers and jam-like products as a good prepping. In the 'timeline', even though the farms would have the hedgerows, also, every house would have at least 6 one-foot square puts with gooseberry plants in compost and a fish spine/head in the botom of the pot. Maybe 3 red gooseberry and 3 green gooseberry to make the 6 plant pots. A standard label to copy and stick to the side of each pot would explain it with pictures. Text would not be needed but would be added as instructions anyway for the subset of people who find it efficient to read aloud to other people. There simply would have been an avoided famine _(and good immune system BOOST BTW. _ Mustard cress dug into the soil _(delaying wire-worm)_ and alliums grown neaarby would be worth it here and there too.
My comment has no hate in it and I do no harm. I am not appalled or afraid, boasting or envying or complaining. Just saying. Psalms23: Giving thanks and praise to the Lord and peace and love. Also, I'd say Matthew6.
reply
-apjpisared
Re. those severely misleading GDP figures. And yet all I can think of is if we had 27 million people we'd be like Bangladesh or worse today. Sure the state is inept at handling barely 5. 2 million now. Look at the sheer material poverty people are forced to live in due to lack of housing, by developed countries standards it's very bad. Adults sharing houses (that families should be renting/owning) til their late 30s or early 40s before either buying a home, inheriting a family home/deposit for same, or emigrating to have their own roof over their head. So if you have 5-6 30s and 40 seomethings or 20 somethings sharing houses for decades, you have less houses for families, so you have more homeless families, and more people paying outrageous prices for rooms and houses and the sparsely existent flats, only like 5% of our population live in apartments, the average in Europe is something like 42% according to Eurostat. The housing conditions are even worse for economic migrants like Brazilians who are forced/desperate enough to live in illegal favela style tenement sublets of 25 to a house with 1-2 toilets per that house. When I go back next year I'll be trying me luck in Belfast, the Republic has not got the housing sector nor the infrastructure of a so called first world country.
reply
Re. those severely misleading GDP figures. And yet all I can think of is if we had 27 million people we'd be like Bangladesh or worse today. Sure the state is inept at handling barely 5. 2 million now. Look at the sheer material poverty people are forced to live in due to lack of housing, by developed countries standards it's very bad. Adults sharing houses (that families should be renting/owning) til their late 30s or early 40s before either buying a home, inheriting a family home/deposit for same, or emigrating to have their own roof over their head. So if you have 5-6 30s and 40 seomethings or 20 somethings sharing houses for decades, you have less houses for families, so you have more homeless families, and more people paying outrageous prices for rooms and houses and the sparsely existent flats, only like 5% of our population live in apartments, the average in Europe is something like 42% according to Eurostat. The housing conditions are even worse for economic migrants like Brazilians who are forced/desperate enough to live in illegal favela style tenement sublets of 25 to a house with 1-2 toilets per that house. When I go back next year I'll be trying me luck in Belfast, the Republic has not got the housing sector nor the infrastructure of a so called first world country.
reply
-shaundgb7367
After just watching this, trying to think of what little I know of my family tree. I am in Victoria, Australia but the last person in family tree that came from any other nation was Ireland in 1890s. But before him there were others that line up with this famine period in Ireland. I think the ones that went to Victoria were decades after the famine but also have ancestors that came from Tasmania and some of them were born in Ireland and some must have emigrated from Ireland in this time period as a result of this famine but do not know much about them. But I suspect some went here and others to places like America, Canada and New Zealand and never saw each other again. Never been to Ireland but it would be fascinating to go there one day and imagine what life was like for my ancestors both before and around that period. It is crazy to think how Ireland itself was stunted in growth in this period and how many left those lands and had to start a whole new life on other sides of the world as far away as America and Australia.
reply
After just watching this, trying to think of what little I know of my family tree. I am in Victoria, Australia but the last person in family tree that came from any other nation was Ireland in 1890s. But before him there were others that line up with this famine period in Ireland. I think the ones that went to Victoria were decades after the famine but also have ancestors that came from Tasmania and some of them were born in Ireland and some must have emigrated from Ireland in this time period as a result of this famine but do not know much about them. But I suspect some went here and others to places like America, Canada and New Zealand and never saw each other again. Never been to Ireland but it would be fascinating to go there one day and imagine what life was like for my ancestors both before and around that period. It is crazy to think how Ireland itself was stunted in growth in this period and how many left those lands and had to start a whole new life on other sides of the world as far away as America and Australia.
reply
-King-Ghidora
Let's be honest here, the -potato famine- was an unnecessary famine. This was not because the Irish became overly dependant on one crop, it was because of their subjugation to England. The fact was, that the potato was not the only crop grown in Ireland. There were several other crops grown at the time, which could have dissipated the effects of the potato disease. Whatever was affecting the potatos, affected only potatos and not whatever else was grown. But, the Irish did not own tbe land in their own country, most of the land in Ireland was owned by the English. Essentially, the potato was the designated crop for the Irish and anything else was shipped to England; famine or no famine.
reply
Let's be honest here, the -potato famine- was an unnecessary famine. This was not because the Irish became overly dependant on one crop, it was because of their subjugation to England. The fact was, that the potato was not the only crop grown in Ireland. There were several other crops grown at the time, which could have dissipated the effects of the potato disease. Whatever was affecting the potatos, affected only potatos and not whatever else was grown. But, the Irish did not own tbe land in their own country, most of the land in Ireland was owned by the English. Essentially, the potato was the designated crop for the Irish and anything else was shipped to England; famine or no famine.
reply
-hatchmaster_5745
This can also be sighted as an excellent example of how britain handicapped itself. Their constant callousness towards anyone not from mainland england led directly to the creation of the United States, the United states being flooded with irish workers, the second world war, and the quit india movement which basically spelled the end of their empire. It's why despite owning more land and wealth than the united states britain was never truly able to fully surpass It's rivals like America was
reply
This can also be sighted as an excellent example of how britain handicapped itself. Their constant callousness towards anyone not from mainland england led directly to the creation of the United States, the United states being flooded with irish workers, the second world war, and the quit india movement which basically spelled the end of their empire. It's why despite owning more land and wealth than the united states britain was never truly able to fully surpass It's rivals like America was
reply
-phann860
I would add that the southern Irish were Catholic and that may have made the English content with the depopulation of southern Ireland. Basically it was a genocide by either negligence or design. I am not confident about the increase in the population of Ireland since the 1980s as the rate of emigration from outside has diluted the actual Irish population. Last year I understand there was 73, 000 emigrants. Think of the Math basically that is equal t0 1, 000, 000 people going into the UK.
reply
I would add that the southern Irish were Catholic and that may have made the English content with the depopulation of southern Ireland. Basically it was a genocide by either negligence or design. I am not confident about the increase in the population of Ireland since the 1980s as the rate of emigration from outside has diluted the actual Irish population. Last year I understand there was 73, 000 emigrants. Think of the Math basically that is equal t0 1, 000, 000 people going into the UK.
reply
reallifelore
It may be almost 2 centuries later, but Ireland still faces enormous native immigration problems. As someone just gone through college, the exodus of people my age from the country makes it seem like little has changed. Impossibly high rents and a non-existent housing supply are forcing people out just as hunger did in the past. There's no future here for most of us, and I myself will be forced abroad as well. It's heartbreaking, to be honest.
reply
It may be almost 2 centuries later, but Ireland still faces enormous native immigration problems. As someone just gone through college, the exodus of people my age from the country makes it seem like little has changed. Impossibly high rents and a non-existent housing supply are forcing people out just as hunger did in the past. There's no future here for most of us, and I myself will be forced abroad as well. It's heartbreaking, to be honest.
reply
-nathanpollard1223
Of course, having so many people who claim to have Irish heritage had its economic positives, since it can help Ireland have better relations with the US.
Another positive effect of the famine -was- the decline of the Irish language, since it led to English becoming dominant.
I think per Capita, the famine has left the (current) people of Ireland economically better off.
reply
Of course, having so many people who claim to have Irish heritage had its economic positives, since it can help Ireland have better relations with the US.
Another positive effect of the famine -was- the decline of the Irish language, since it led to English becoming dominant.
I think per Capita, the famine has left the (current) people of Ireland economically better off.
reply
-jojokhan-ps3ye
it's kind of sad that the Irish population is declining. i visited Ireland back in 2015 with a few friends and honestly the Irish are the sweetest and funniest people ever and the landscape is so sooo breathtaking. hope to visit soon. love from Pakistan.
reply
it's kind of sad that the Irish population is declining. i visited Ireland back in 2015 with a few friends and honestly the Irish are the sweetest and funniest people ever and the landscape is so sooo breathtaking. hope to visit soon. love from Pakistan.
reply
reallifelore
Are you sure the 1821 American population was accurately measured? Did it even count the First Nations people back then? Pretty sure there are many American countries whose population plummeted after European invasion.
reply
Are you sure the 1821 American population was accurately measured? Did it even count the First Nations people back then? Pretty sure there are many American countries whose population plummeted after European invasion.
reply
-quitpayload
I'm Irish and basically none of the information in this video is new to me. Despite this, it blew my mind when you put the populations into perspective like that. I'd never thought of Ireland's population in that way
reply
I'm Irish and basically none of the information in this video is new to me. Despite this, it blew my mind when you put the populations into perspective like that. I'd never thought of Ireland's population in that way
reply
-Bwkjam
The final victory of Irish nationalism will be when Northern Ireland votes to peacefully reunite with the Republic not through force, but because the Irish are a better bet economically than the chaotic UK.
reply
The final victory of Irish nationalism will be when Northern Ireland votes to peacefully reunite with the Republic not through force, but because the Irish are a better bet economically than the chaotic UK.
reply
-theknightswhosay
They were also forced by the government not to have a diversity of crops. Even after the famine started, looking for other types of nutrition (such as by fishing in lakes) was often illegal.
reply
They were also forced by the government not to have a diversity of crops. Even after the famine started, looking for other types of nutrition (such as by fishing in lakes) was often illegal.
reply
-amandabeaty1492
Why Ireland has Fewer People than 200 Years Ago? Because of the potatoes famine that the British crown couldn't care less about. Not only were these people Irish but they were poor.
reply
Why Ireland has Fewer People than 200 Years Ago? Because of the potatoes famine that the British crown couldn't care less about. Not only were these people Irish but they were poor.
reply
reallifelore
Never forget the US abuse of the Irish migrants too, immediately sending them to die as canon fodder in the civil war and with constant racism towards the Irish from the US citizens.
reply
Never forget the US abuse of the Irish migrants too, immediately sending them to die as canon fodder in the civil war and with constant racism towards the Irish from the US citizens.
reply
-edsteadham4085
I'm glad to see that Ireland's economic hardships are in the past and it has joined the ranks of wealthy nations. Could not happen to a nicer country and people.
reply
I'm glad to see that Ireland's economic hardships are in the past and it has joined the ranks of wealthy nations. Could not happen to a nicer country and people.
reply
-mattstuttard1318
Well that-s going to change with the importation of Bangladeshis and Africans who will outnumber the indigenous population within a few generations.
reply
Well that-s going to change with the importation of Bangladeshis and Africans who will outnumber the indigenous population within a few generations.
reply
-impaler9435
The High GDP and GDP per capita are accounting tricks though. If Apple reported their income in another country, Ireland's GDP would dip more than 30%.
reply
The High GDP and GDP per capita are accounting tricks though. If Apple reported their income in another country, Ireland's GDP would dip more than 30%.
reply
-cillzee3062
I think any irish person will agree there is nothing more entertaining than hearing som1 say -im irish- in the thickest American accent on paddys day -
reply
I think any irish person will agree there is nothing more entertaining than hearing som1 say -im irish- in the thickest American accent on paddys day -
reply
-joemckim1183
A huge chunk of the irish population immigrated to places like America. I think its safe to say that there is more Irish Americans than Irish people.
reply
A huge chunk of the irish population immigrated to places like America. I think its safe to say that there is more Irish Americans than Irish people.
reply
-SOPHIE-fo8ps
I hate how people say -Oh yeah I'm Irish too. Sooo yeah hehe- And I thinking do you speak a lick of Irish Oh you don't And there like 0. 79% Irish
reply
I hate how people say -Oh yeah I'm Irish too. Sooo yeah hehe- And I thinking do you speak a lick of Irish Oh you don't And there like 0. 79% Irish
reply
-Rene-uz3eb
5: 15 that's exactly my diet now.
The rapid Irish population increase vs anyone else's probably says loads about this diet vs any other?
reply
5: 15 that's exactly my diet now.
The rapid Irish population increase vs anyone else's probably says loads about this diet vs any other?
reply
-Cupid_AJ
i feel sad that happend to irish people before -- i swear that irish people are the nicest people ive ever met, such a pure heart they have.
reply
i feel sad that happend to irish people before -- i swear that irish people are the nicest people ive ever met, such a pure heart they have.
reply
-user-cmcumm
Never ask:
A woman about her age
A man about his salary
A british what they did in Ireland in the middle of 19th century
reply
Never ask:
A woman about her age
A man about his salary
A british what they did in Ireland in the middle of 19th century
reply
-kevooooo
Our GDP is super inflated by being a tax haven. Our wages are actually not very good. And our taxes are one of the highest in Europe.
reply
Our GDP is super inflated by being a tax haven. Our wages are actually not very good. And our taxes are one of the highest in Europe.
reply
-flybynight7984
Ask the English Crown. Before Charles apologises to anyone, it should be to the Scots, Irish and Welsh. Then his own people.
reply
Ask the English Crown. Before Charles apologises to anyone, it should be to the Scots, Irish and Welsh. Then his own people.
reply
-geoworld6910
I'll save you 17 minutes: famine, UK, Fianna Fail, greens, and progressive democrats (last 3 caused the economic crisis)
reply
I'll save you 17 minutes: famine, UK, Fianna Fail, greens, and progressive democrats (last 3 caused the economic crisis)
reply
reallifelore
For you stole Trevelyan's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay
reply
For you stole Trevelyan's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay
reply
-guptasagar694
As an Indian SWE can I immigrate to Ireland and get job? Are companies willing to sponsor Indians job visas
reply
As an Indian SWE can I immigrate to Ireland and get job? Are companies willing to sponsor Indians job visas
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
