Great Bengal famine of 1770

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/great-bengal-famine-of-1770

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What caused the Great Bengal Famine of 1770?The famine was mainly caused by a severe drought that started in 1769 and continued into 1770, stopping the monsoon rains that farmers needed to grow rice and other crops.
2. Why did so many people die during the famine?About 7 to 10 million people died because the drought ruined crops, food became very expensive, and many people had to eat leaves, roots, or even carrion. Disease also spread among the weakened population.

Agrarian Economy: An economy where agriculture is the primary source of wealth and employment.
Colonial Exploitation: The use of a colony's resources and people for the benefit of the colonizing power.
Demographic Catastrophe: A severe and widespread loss of population due to events like famine, disease, or war.
Historiography: The study of the writing of history, including how historical events are interpreted and debated.