- At the beginning of the 19 th century, Europe is experiencing an increase in population growth. The birth rate is increasing, while the death rate is decreasing. In addition, life expectancy is increasing thanks to improved food, hygiene and medicine.
- At the end of the 18 th century, North-Western Europe was marked by the industrial revolution, particularly in the textile and coal sectors. This is a time of economic boom.
1845-1847
Procedure
- 1845:Downy mildew, a parasitic potato fungus, causes crop failures in North West Europe, particularly in Ireland. In addition, England forces this country to export its crops. The shortage leads to higher prices and reduces purchasing power. The potato being at that time a staple food, a terrible famine ensued, causing many deaths. Many factories are forced to reduce their activities and unemployment increases.
- The same year, a financial crisis affected North-Western Europe due to the bursting of a speculative bubble. Indeed, the financiers have invested heavily in the railways, but these are not yielding as much as expected and the shares are collapsing.
Consequences
- The famine, linked to the industrial and financial crisis, caused the death of more than a million people.
- Two million Irish people migrate to Great Britain, the United States, Australia and Canada.
- The crisis led to a revolutionary movement called the Spring of the Peoples. France, the Kingdom of Prussia, the German states and the Austrian Empire claim more freedom and national unity.