solidarity in poland 1980-81. questions for discussion: - factory occupation by workers a new...
TRANSCRIPT
Solidarity in Poland 1980-81
Questions for discussion:
- Factory occupation by workers a new nonviolent tactic? What were its advantages?
- Compare the role of the Church in Poland with religious involvement in other nonviolent movements. What were the differences, if any?
- List the full repertoire of nonviolent action in 1980-82, and describe the advantages and disadvantages, if any, of each method.
- What were the main reasons for the severe setback of December 1981? Could the damage have been limited with better strategy?
- What were the strengths and weaknesses of the ruling Communist Party in Poland?
Background
History of Occupation
WWII and Yalta
1956, 1968
1970, 1976
1979 – Papal visit
Lenin Shipyard
Food crisis, protests
Gdansk Shipyard
Anna Walentyowicz, Lech Walesa
Occupation
Demands
Inter-Strike Committee
Gdansk Agreement
Solidarity
Rapid growth throughout society
Relationship to the party and Society
Trade Union or Social Movement
Fundamentalists vs. Pragmatists
'Firefighting'
'Registration Crisis' Government 'not fully
implementing the agreement'
Friday 3rd October noon till one. General 'warning' Strike.
Registration Crisis – 27th- 31st October, Strikes threatened.
Compromise negotiated.
'Narozniak Affair' 20 November – Police arrest
volunteer printer in Warsaw.
Strikes spread – demands for investigations into 1976 repression, and sacking of top officials..
Narozniak released by authorities, but strikes continue.
Finally are persuaded after authorities agree to negotiations.
Strike ends 28th November
( 'Narozniak today, Walesa tomorrow')
Bydgoszcz Crisis
Solidarity members beaten by security forces.
Provocation?.
Friday 27th March – 4 hour General Strike.
Workers prepare over the weekend – bring supplies and sleeping bags to work.
Negotiations, strike suspended.
Debates within Solidarity
July - Economic collapse, Hunger marches
Demand for information on food production and distribution
Debates between 'pragmatists' and 'fundamentalists'.
Government breaks off negotiations.
September 4th – Solidarity National Congress.
'State of War'
13 December, 1981
Internments and arrests
Solidarity underground
'Piast Mine'
State of War ended 1982
Tactics
'Self-Censorship'
Information
Strikes
Occupations
Organisations
Violence?
The Church
Pope's visit 1979
'Dignity'
Cautious Opposition
After December 1981
The Communist Party
Internal Pressures
External Pressures
Leadership
Police and Army
( 'Common Road, Common Aim')