Empire 237. The Great Famine: The Irish Exodus to America (Ep 2)
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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.
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Famine Accounts
- William Forster, a Quaker, described the Irish during the famine as walking skeletons.
- People were so desperate they resembled famished dogs, crying with pain and ravenous hunger.
Irish Landscape and Famine Denial
- The Irish landscape, with fertile valleys and barren bogs, allowed for simultaneous food exports and starvation.
- This proximity of wealth and poverty enabled denial of the famine's severity.
Jeremiah Hegarty's Sacrifice
- Jeremiah Hegarty starved himself to avoid eviction, prioritizing rent over food.
- Others resorted to stealing livestock, leading farmers to create brutal traps.
