Irish Migration and the Famine (18th/19th Century)

History
GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A source analysis worksheet focusing on Irish migration during the Great Famine, encouraging students to interpret primary sources and assess their usefulness.

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Irish Migration and the Famine (18th/19th Century)

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 8
A

Analyzing a Primary Source on Irish Famine Migration

Source A: The Hardship of the Irish Famine

"During the famine years, thousands of Irish people were forced to leave their homeland in search of food and a better life. Many traveled in overcrowded boats, facing disease, hunger, and poverty along the way. Those who emigrated often did so with little hope of returning, seeking work and stability in other countries, especially America. The sight of starving families and deserted villages became common, as the famine devastated the land and its people. This mass movement of Irish people was driven by desperation, as agriculture failed and food supplies ran out. The government was criticized for its slow response to the crisis, and many believed that the famine was a turning point in Irish history, leading to a significant increase in emigration and cultural change." Provenance: John O’Neill, 1850, newspaper report

1.
Describe what Source A tells us about the experiences of Irish people during the Famine.
[3 marks]
2.
Explain the provenance of Source A and how it might influence its usefulness.
[3 marks]
3.
Compare the usefulness of Source A with a modern history book account of the Irish Famine.
[5 marks]
4.
Outline why Irish migration during the Famine was a significant event in Irish history.
[3 marks]
5.
Analyse how the source helps us understand the reasons why Irish people emigrated during the Famine.
[5 marks]
6.
Compare the perspectives of a government report and Source A regarding the Famine.
[5 marks]
7.
Explain the importance of considering the provenance when studying historical sources like Source A.
[3 marks]
8.
Summarize what we can learn from Source A about the impact of the Famine on Irish society.
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet