The Importance and Effects of the Potato Throughout History, Both Positive and Negative

"My idea of heaven is a great big baked potato and someone to share it with", Oprah Winfrey once said. Though meaning to be humorous, Oprah's statement truly summarizes the effect and influence of the potato on world history as we know it. Additionally, it shows what an intricate part the potatoes plays in the past, present and future of the human race. Opposing these positive aspects, many negative aspects exist as well, which deserve to be recognized.
The most commonly remembered fault of potatoes relates to the Irish Potato Famine. During this period in history, a plague ravaged the potato crops of Ireland, rendering many Irish people out of work and out of food, due to their overdependence on the product. …