Empire

237. The Great Famine: The Irish Exodus to America (Ep 2)

Mar 13, 2025

Colm Tóibín, acclaimed Irish novelist and journalist, dives into the legacy of the Great Famine and its impact on Irish identity. He discusses the journey of famine refugees boarding 'coffin ships' and their shift in labor preferences upon arriving in America. Tóibín examines how Irish emigration laid the groundwork for powerful communities in cities like Boston and New York, influencing American politics today. The conversation also touches on the complex relationship between historical trauma and Irish nationalism, showcasing how these narratives resonate even in contemporary culture.

45:58

Episode guests

Colm Tóibín

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The Great Famine's legacy instigated a strong sense of Irish nationalism and political change, framing it as an act of oppression.

Irish emigrants sought new opportunities in America, leading to a politically active diaspora that shaped Irish identity and history.

Deep dives

The Long Impact of the Irish Famine

The Great Famine in Ireland, which began in the mid-1840s, persisted into the 1850s, and its effects lasted for decades afterward. This period of suffering saw not only deaths from starvation but also from diseases like typhus and dysentery, exacerbated by the overcrowding of those seeking relief. Initially, soup kitchens provided critical assistance, but the British government's decision to close these kitchens led to an even greater humanitarian crisis. As people gathered in search of food, their desperate conditions were vividly documented, yet political policies remained largely unchanged despite the grim realities.

Intro

4min

Echoes of the Irish Famine

14min

Divine Retribution and the Rise of Irish Nationalism

5min

The Heart of a Famine: Emigration and Charity During Crisis

2min

Famine Relief and Irish Identity

18min

The legacy of the Great Famine continues to shape not only Ireland, but the Irish diaspora in America, Canada, and the UK. In the mid-1800s, starving families fled the country in search of survival, gathering at the docks to board “coffins ships” sailing to Liverpool and the east coast of the USA. When “the famine Irish” arrived in America they resented the idea of ever doing rural work again, and sought work in the police, in bars, and in the fire brigade. Irish communities centred around Boston, New York, and Philadelphia developed into powerful Irish congresses in politics. How does the legacy of famine emigration continue to shape American politics today?

Listen as William and Anita are joined once again by writer and historian Colm Tóibín to discuss the Great Famine and how it shaped post-modern Irishness, from the cheekiness of The Beatles to Donald Trump’s cabinet.

_____________

Empire UK Live Tour: The podcast is going on a UK tour! William and Anita will be live on stage in Glasgow, Birmingham, York and Bristol, discussing how the British Empire continues to shape our everyday lives. Tickets are on sale NOW, to buy yours head to empirepoduk.com.

Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, and a weekly newsletter! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.

Email: empire@goalhanger.com

Instagram: @empirepoduk

Blue Sky: @empirepoduk

X: @empirepoduk

goalhanger.com

Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Anouska Lewis

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices