Solidarity in Poland

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GCSE History> Cold War> Solidarity
Background to Solidarity
Regular protests in Poland usually about wages or food.
Protest didn't try to challenge Russia or government.
In the late 1970's the economy hit crisis and government couldn't solve the problems.
Small independent trade unions were set up and strikes broke out all over the country.
1980 free trade union (Solidarity started by Lech Walesa) They wanted free trade unions and the right to strike.
Government agreed all 21 of their demands.
Membership of solidarity grew to over 9 million.
Poland sinks into chaos.
December 1981 Brezhnev orders Red Army manoeuvres on Polish border, introduces Marshall Law imprisons Lech Walesa and 10,000 others and suspends Solidarity.

Why Russia / Polish government accepted Solidarity in 1980
The union was strongest in the most important industries to the government and Russia.
Solidarity was not a threat to the Communist party - wasn't an alternative but worked along side it.
Lech Walesa was careful not to threaten Russia - tried to avoid provoking any disputes.
Solidarity was very popular - Lech Walesa seen as folk hero.
USSR tolerated Solidarity because it couldn't do anything else - Solidarity had lots of support in the West so Russia was very cautious.
The atmosphere of Détente - more relaxed, more freedom of speech between Poland and West.

Why Russia / Polish government clamped down on Solidarity in December 1981
Increasing signs Solidarity acting as a political party - more of a threat. Talked of setting up new government without Communist party.
Poland sinking into chaos - food shortages, rationing, rising unemployment, strikes out of control. Russia worried people would turn to Solidarity and not Communism.
Solidarity was also sinking into chaos. Many different groups in the Union. One group issued a statement that Poles were fighting "for your freedom and ours". Groups threatened to pull Solidarity apart - Lech Walesa unable or unwilling to control them. Threat to Russia.

Why Solidarity had wider implications than Hungary or Czechoslovakia
Lech Walesa was a high profile leader and solidarity had support in the West.
Solidarity became a symbol of East Europe's struggle against Communist repression.
More widely known about because of Détente.
Other Communist countries could look to Poland as a success story in trying to break away from Russian influence.
Became focus of international attention.
Involved millions of ordinary people.

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