Following the major El Niño of 1877-78, the transition to La Niña in 1878 brought cooler conditions and altered rainfall patterns, prolonging recovery from previous famines. This climatic shift affected agricultural productivity and food availability in various regions, highlighting the impact of climate variability on human societies. The La Niña phase emphasized the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture and disaster preparedness.

The La Niña phase following the 1877-78 El Niño contributed to themes of climatic cycles and endurance in 19th-century literature. Poets began to reflect on humanity's relationship with nature, capturing the challenges posed by environmental changes and the resilience required to adapt.