Mass movements in Poland helped achieved its independence by
- General strike and massive anti-government and anti-Soviet demonstration in Posen in June 1956
- banners demanded "bread and freedom" and workers were protesting against poor living standards, wage reductions, and high taxes
- Tension remained high, In october, Russian tanks surrounded Warsaw
- In December 1970 and June 1976, revolutionary attempts were made
- networks of groups and organizations were better structured
- Catholic church and the Polish pope played crucial roles, the visit of the pope to Poland mobilized the largest gatherings in Poland