The Solidarity Movement In Poland

Background There had been regular protests in Poland during Communist rule. These were due to a deepening internal crisis Soviet-style societies. Protests were centred around poor living conditions in relation to the West.

Religion On 16th October, 1978, bishop of Cracow, Karol Wojtyla, was elected Pope John Paul II. During his pilgrimage to Poland millions of people attended his masses. Millions cheer Pope John Paul II during his first visit to Poland, 1979.

The ups and downs of Communist rule In December, 1970 there was a bloody clash with shipyard workers where Władysław Gomulka ordered soldiers to fire upon those entering the factories. Gierek replaced Gomulka and began a programme of reform. Using foreign loans, he modernised industry and increased availability of consumer goods. Edward Gierek

Economic crisis Despite Gierek being hailed a miracle worker, the economy began to falter in 1970’s. 1976 price increases became necessary. High foreign debts, food shortages, and an outmoded industrial base compelled a new round of economic reforms in 1980. Food shortages in 1976

Lech Walesea The economic crisis sparked more protests. 17th August, 1980 Walesea put forward his 21 demands. By end of the wave of strikes, over 600 factories had joined the committee under Walesea. They had brought the economy to a halt and forced the government to agree to their demands.

Solidarity As a result of the agreement there were several outcomes: Gierek was replaced. Representatives of the strike set up a nationwide trade union called “Solidarity” Walesea was elected its president. With its increasing popularity, Solidarity turned from being a mere trade union to becoming an entire social movement.

General Wojciech Jaruzelski A strong-arm policy The Polish United Workers Party seemed unsure what to do with increasing union action. In the end, due to pressure from Moscow to strengthen its position, General Wojciech Jaruzelski was made leader. He imposed Martial Law. General Wojciech Jaruzelski

Downfall of Solidarity Solidarity was de-legalised in 1982. Workers demonstrations were broken up by paramilitary units. They would shoot upon such demonstrations and a number were killed during 1981. Solidarity appeared crippled and strikes ceased. Paramilitary units

Underground Solidarity Throughout mid-1980’s, Solidarity remained as an underground organisation supported by the Church and the CIA. 1982, Walesea was released and by 1983, Martial Law was lifted. 1984, Walesea won the Noble Peace Prize which his wife collected.

Persecution of Solidarity Despite the lifting of Martial Law members of Solidarity were still persecuted. 1984, popular pro-Solidarity priest, Jerzy Popieluszko, was murdered by three agents of the Ministry of Internal Security. 1985, three members of the underground Solidarity were arrested and sentenced to prison without being allowed consultation with their defence lawyers. Jerzy Popieluszko

Roundtable negotiations 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the Soviet Union. He carried out a number of reforms that were reflected in the politics of Soviets satellites. Round Table Talks were held in 1989 with the government, Solidarity and a number of other opposition groups. 1990 Solidarity was again legalised.

Aftermath 1989 there were open elections that Solidarity won in nearly all those seats it contested. 1990, Lech Walesea became the first non-Communist President of Poland since before WWII. Since then Solidarity has become a more traditional trade union with its political arm (Solidarity Electoral Action) having only a negligible impact.