Impact of Poor Law Extension Act on Great Famine worsened conditions for Irish people.
| Political |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
4 min read
During the implementation of the Poor Law Extension Act, which aimed to provide relief during a period of severe famine, the effects of the Great Famine worsened. The Act established workhouses for the destitute, but conditions were harsh, overcrowded, and led to further suffering. Many Irish families were separated upon entering these workhouses, and the inadequate facilities failed to meet the overwhelming demand for assistance. The Act's strict rules and the separation of families added to the trauma of an already devastated population.
The Act aggravated the impact of the Great Famine by creating a system that further dehumanized the Irish population, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. It exposed the failures of relief efforts and government policies in effectively addressing the crisis. The Poor Law Extension Act highlighted the insensitivity and inefficiency of the authorities in dealing with the widespread suffering and food shortages during that time.
The consequences of the Act included increased mortality rates, especially among children and the elderly, as well as a deepening sense of despair and hopelessness among the Irish population. The poor conditions in workhouses only served to compound the misery felt by the famine-stricken communities. The legacy of this period continues to shape Ireland's history and collective memory, underscoring the need for compassion and effective governance in times of crisis. #GreatFamine #PoorLawExtensionAct #IrishHistory
Primary Reference: The Famine Plot Revisited: A Reassessment of the Great Irish ...
Location : Ireland

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