Solidarity movement

Definition

The Solidarity movement was a social and political movement in Poland that emerged in the early 1980s, primarily led by the trade union 'Solidarity.' It played a crucial role in opposing communist rule, advocating for workers' rights, and fostering a sense of national identity. The movement was characterized by its grassroots organization and ability to unite various segments of Polish society against an authoritarian regime.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Solidarity movement was officially founded in September 1980 at the Gdańsk Shipyard, following a series of strikes against rising food prices and poor working conditions.
2. It gained international attention and support, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes and inspiring similar movements across Eastern Europe.
3. The Polish government imposed martial law in December 1981 to suppress Solidarity, leading to the arrest of thousands of activists and the temporary suspension of the union's activities.
4. After years of underground organizing, Solidarity re-emerged as a legitimate political force, participating in the Round Table Talks with the government in 1989 that paved the way for democratic elections.
5. The success of Solidarity contributed significantly to the broader collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe by showcasing the power of collective action and nonviolent resistance.

Review Questions

• How did the Solidarity movement effectively mobilize various sectors of Polish society to challenge communist rule?
  • The Solidarity movement effectively mobilized various sectors of Polish society by uniting workers, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens under a common cause of seeking democratic reforms and improved labor rights. It used grassroots organizing techniques to create local support networks that transcended social classes, allowing it to gain widespread popularity. This collective effort not only challenged the authoritarian regime but also fostered a renewed sense of Polish identity and solidarity among diverse groups.
• Analyze the impact of martial law on the Solidarity movement and how it influenced its strategies moving forward.
  • The imposition of martial law in Poland from 1981 to 1983 severely impacted the Solidarity movement by leading to mass arrests and suppression of its activities. Many leaders were imprisoned or forced into hiding, but this repression only galvanized support for Solidarity among the public. The movement shifted its strategies towards underground organizing and international advocacy, building resilience that ultimately allowed it to re-emerge more united and determined during negotiations at the Round Table Talks in 1989.
• Evaluate the significance of the Solidarity movement within the larger context of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe during the late 20th century.
  • The significance of the Solidarity movement within the context of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe lies in its role as a catalyst for change. It inspired similar uprisings across the region by demonstrating that organized opposition could challenge oppressive regimes effectively. The successful negotiations and eventual democratic elections in Poland set a precedent that encouraged other countries to pursue reform, ultimately contributing to a wave of revolutions that led to the collapse of communist governments throughout Eastern Europe by the end of 1989.

Related terms

Lech Wałęsa: The co-founder and leader of the Solidarity movement, who later became the President of Poland and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his efforts in promoting democracy.

Martial Law: A period declared in Poland from 1981 to 1983, during which the government restricted civil liberties and cracked down on opposition movements, including Solidarity.

Round Table Talks: Negotiations between the communist government and opposition leaders, including Solidarity representatives, that took place in 1989 and led to partially free elections in Poland.