[15] Solidarity in Poland

What was life in Poland like?

The economic system was detrimental to peasants and caused food shortages among the working class.

What caused a led to increased demands for a reform?

After WW2, Stalinist Boleslaw Bierut who controlled Poland died in 1956 and Krushchev’’s Secret Speech led to increased demands for a reform

What happened to initial riots that broke out in Poland?

were subdued by the government

What did the new leader introduce, who was he and how did the Soviet react?

Wladyslaw Gomulka introduced economic reforms, including opening private shops, breaking up collective farms into smaller private holdings, and allowing peasants to own land and control produce. The Soviets did not intervene as the changes were economic and did not threaten their control.

After changes made by Poland’s new leader, what was their relationship with Russia

Poland remained in the Warsaw Pact and continued to host the Red Army

How did Solidarity start?

August 1960, workers at the Lenin Shipyard at Gdansk, Poland, went on strike over food prices who were led by Lech Walesa an electrician. They went on strike because price rises and poor working conditions.

How did the government react to Solidarity

The Polish government gave the workers the right to form a trade union independent from government control and Solidarity was formed

How did Solidarity succeed where others failed?

Solidarity was well-organized, with national demands, not just for dockworkers. It did not use violence and was supported by over 10 million Poles, with 80% of the Polish workforce as members.

What did the striker’ demand?

• Independent trade unions free from government control.

• Freedom of speech, press, and media access.

• Better wages and improved living conditions.

• Improved healthcare and social services.

• Fair distribution of goods to stop shortages.

How did General Jaruzelski act against the Solidarity movement

In 1981, he declared martial law after becoming president. He took serious action against strikes, flooding a mine in Upper Silesia with riot police, resulting in many miners drowning. He imprisoned Solidarity leaders, including Lech Walesa, and made the movement illegal.

What happened after Solidarity was banned?

In 1989, Solidarity was legalized again, and its members were allowed to stand for election in Poland. The union won every seat it contested in the Polish parliament. Lech Walesa served as President of Poland from 1990 to 1995.