Question

Briefly examine the way democracy was restored in Poland ?

Answer 1

Following strikes by workers in the port city of Gdansk, the Gdansk agreement was signed between the workers and the communist government of Poland. This led to the formation of a new trade union called Solidarity. It was for the first time in any communist state that an independent trade union was formed.

Solidarity was led by Lech Walesa, an electrician in Gdansk. Under his leadership, its popularity rose in Poland within a year and many joined as members. It revealed the mismanagement of the government and the widespread corruption. The government led by General Jaruzelski became anxious and imposed martial law in Poland in 1981 curtailing the democratic rights of the people and many members of Solidarity were imprisoned.

In 1988, another wave of strikes was launched by Solidarity. The position of the Government became weak and after negotiations with the leader Walesa free elections were held in 1989 where Solidarity won with majority votes. This was how democracy was restored in Poland.