Poland+Elite+Movement

Definiton: A group started the Solidarity movement in 1980, sparked by the bad economic conditions at that time, especially the international debts leading to the rise of prices for simple things such as meet. Led by Lech Walesa, by August18th, there were over 200 small strikes in factories in Poland. Solidarity came from these small strikes and they wrote up 21 demands, calling for improved working conditions, more pay, and the right to hold independent trade unions. Solidarity was even supported by the Catholic Church.

Significance: Solidarity brought the end of Soviet communist rule in Poland. When Jaruzelski became the prime minister in 1981, not knowing what to do with the opposition, he gave some rights to Solidarity after their 4 hour strike on March 27. Successes such as these helped Solidarity gain support and by mid 1981, it had 10 million members.
 * October program, 1981
 * Solidarity started a national 1 hr. workers strike demanding better conditions and recognition.
 * recognition was granted October 24th, but on the condition that Solidarity could not become a political party leading to Solidarity starting another general strike
 * Jaruzelski declared martial law December 1981 and Walesa, along with many members were placed in prison. The military also got involved because they feared if they didn't the Soviet Union would get involved. However, Solidarity still fought back
 * economy went down
 * by 1984, Jaruzelski had relaxed his martial law and those arrested were released, but any anti-communist threats were kidnapped.
 * Solidarity started an underground radio and in 1987, more strikes
 * 1988 coal workers strikes forced Jaruzelski to negotiate
 * agreed to legalize Solidarity in return for stopping the strikes.
 * free elections
 * December 1989 Republic of Poland(non communist) was declared