Many Irish immigrants who arrived in the United States during the mid-1800s contributed to the nation's growth by...

starting large farms in the West.

providing labor for major building projects.

becoming political leaders in Washington D.C.

exploring new lands beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

Why did the failure of the potato crop in Ireland lead to such a severe famine?

Many people depended on it as their main food source.

It was Ireland's most valuable crop for trading with other nations.

It was the only crop that landowners allowed farmers to grow.

Farmers used potatoes to feed all of their farm animals.

It caused the U.S. to develop new types of farming technology.

It resulted in a wave of immigration that supplied labor for construction.

It encouraged American leaders to send financial aid to European countries.

It created new trade partnerships between America and Ireland.