HIST 226 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Wojciech Jaruzelski, Rural Solidarity, Social Ownership
Document Summary
Gdansk memorial protest in 1977 in commemoration of 1970. 1978 formation of free trade union, workers joined by kor intellectuals. Polish pope john paul ii elected, which was a big prob for comm party. First non-italian pope in centuries, spoke 9 languages. Pope john paul ii visit to poland. Question of when he will come, catch 22 for party. Reinforced non-communist wing of church, but espoused non-violent methods. First articulation of polish as a national, literary language in a long time. Strikes begin the next day, spread to most of the country. Gdansk shipyard workers don"t join over wages, join a bit later when one of their coworkers is fired for political reasons, just months before retirement. Government gives in and sings gdansk agreement. Unions endorse social ownership of means of production, leading role of polish worker"s party in state, and established system of international alliances. Solidarity remains legal for about 150 days.
