21 demands

Definition

The 21 demands were a set of conditions presented by Polish workers in 1980 to the government of the Polish People's Republic, which outlined their demands for political and economic reforms. These demands were crucial in the formation and rise of the Solidarity movement, as they highlighted the workers' desire for greater rights, freedoms, and an end to oppressive policies. The acceptance of these demands marked a significant turning point in Polish history and helped inspire similar movements across Eastern Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 21 demands included calls for the right to form independent trade unions, freedom of speech, and better working conditions for workers.
2. These demands emerged from strikes in major Polish cities, particularly at the Gdańsk Shipyard, where workers rallied for their rights against state repression.
3. The Polish government's acceptance of most of the 21 demands led to the establishment of Solidarity as a powerful social movement and trade union.
4. The successful negotiation of these demands was one of the first significant cracks in the communist regime in Eastern Europe, inspiring other countries to push for reform.
5. The 21 demands not only addressed economic issues but also highlighted broader human rights concerns, resonating with movements beyond Poland's borders.

Review Questions

• How did the 21 demands serve as a catalyst for the growth of the Solidarity movement?
  • The 21 demands laid the foundation for Solidarity by articulating key issues that resonated with Polish workers and citizens. By presenting these demands, workers were able to unify their grievances against government policies, which galvanized support for Solidarity as a legitimate representative of their interests. This collective action was crucial in mobilizing widespread support that ultimately challenged the communist regime's authority.
• Discuss the implications of the Gdańsk Agreement in relation to the acceptance of the 21 demands.
  • The Gdańsk Agreement was pivotal as it marked the first time a communist government acknowledged and agreed to many of the 21 demands put forth by workers. This agreement not only legitimized Solidarity as a union but also signaled a shift in the political landscape of Poland. It demonstrated that organized labor could effectively negotiate with state authorities, inspiring hope among other oppressed groups across Eastern Europe and contributing to growing dissent against communist regimes.
• Evaluate how the themes present in the 21 demands reflect broader socio-political trends in Eastern Europe during the late 20th century.
  • The themes present in the 21 demands illustrate a growing discontent with authoritarian governance and a desire for democratic reforms, which were central to many movements across Eastern Europe during this period. The focus on workers' rights, freedom of expression, and civil liberties mirrored similar sentiments expressed in countries facing oppression under communist rule. This shared aspiration for change created a ripple effect that contributed to widespread protests and revolutions throughout Eastern Europe, ultimately leading to significant political transformations by the end of the decade.

Related terms

Solidarity: A trade union and social movement in Poland that emerged in the early 1980s, advocating for workers' rights and political reform.

Gdańsk Agreement: The agreement reached in August 1980 between the Polish government and Solidarity leaders, which included the acceptance of the 21 demands.

Martial Law: A period of military control in Poland from December 1981 to July 1983, during which the government suppressed Solidarity and other opposition movements.