Question

directions: in groups, read and analyze documents to investigate a crime(s) by discovering a suspect(s) and determining their motivation(s).
case file - 1847: case of the rotten potato
stage 1: investigate the crime scene
detectives,
theres a situation in ireland. the irish population has dwindled and we dont know why. headquarters is sending you to investigate. please report back to us as soon as possible if a crime or life - altering event has taken place.
from,
inspector wade and zurawski
question

1. what is causing this change in population?

answer / claim
(discuss with your group)
specific evidence
(use the documents)
i is causing this population change because
as stated in document

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze the context (1847 Irish population change). The Great Famine (potato blight) caused mass starvation, emigration, and death.

Answer:

/ Claim
The Irish population change (decline) is caused by the Great Famine (1845–1852), specifically the potato blight (Phytophthora infestans) destroying potato crops, a staple food. This led to starvation, disease, and mass emigration.

Specific Evidence

From historical documents (e.g., census, famine records):

• Potato blight destroyed harvests, causing food shortages.
• High mortality (starvation, typhus) and emigration (to US, Canada) reduced population.
• Contemporary accounts (e.g., newspapers, government reports) detail crop failure and population decline.

(Note: Since the problem references "documents" (not provided here), groups would use historical sources on the Irish Famine to confirm this.)