As the dust settles on World War II, the Yalta Conference of 1945 brought the countries of Eastern Europe into the Soviet sphere of influence. Subsequently, the Soviet Union established a system of satellite states in Eastern Europe, but this coercive political arrangement was not widely accepted by the local population. After decades of economic hardship and political repression, people in Eastern Europe became increasingly dissatisfied with Soviet rule. By the 1980s, the situation between Poland and Hungary had been particularly dramatic, with popular revolts, especially Solidarity in Poland, becoming a symbol of the protest movement.
Poland in 1980 was a country of discontent and despair. Economic difficulties, shortages of goods, and a sharp decline in the quality of life of ordinary citizens. In such a depressing environment, a strike by workers at the Gdansk shipyard quickly turned into a national political protest.
On July 1, the Polish government announced a 70% increase in meat prices, a decision that directly ignited popular anger. On 14 August, workers at the Gdansk shipyard went on strike. The then workers' leader, Lech Walesa, a fired electrician, was once again at the forefront of the struggle.
"We don't just want survival, we want dignity!" Walesa made a loud announcement at a workers' meeting.
Walesa's words struck a chord with the workers. As the strike continued, more and more factories joined the protests. By 16 August, workers at 21 state-owned factories had joined the strike.
On 17 August, striking workers put forward 21 demands, including wage increases and price reductions, and stressed political demands such as the establishment of independent trade unions and the release of political prisoners.
In the face of the resolute attitude of the workers, the Polish government felt unprecedented pressure. On 31 August, government representatives Jagelski negotiated with Walesa. During the negotiations, Walesa said firmly: "We are not here to ask, we are here to demand what we deserve." ”
Eventually, the government agreed to most of the economic demands and, more importantly, to the political demands for the formation of independent trade unions.
On 22 September, Solidarity was formally formed, and Walesa was elected president. By November, Poland's Supreme Court had recognized Solidarity as a legitimate organization, marking it as an important political force in Poland.
In September 1981, Solidarity held its historic national congress and Walesa was re-elected as its president. "Solidarity exists and will continue to exist, regardless of who opposes it," he declared at the meeting. ”
Although the Polish government later tried to suppress Solidarity through martial law, the union and the civil power it represented were unstoppable. In 1989, Poland held partially free elections and Solidarity won a landslide victory, marking the beginning of democratization in Poland. The movement not only affected Poland, but also sowed the seeds for political change throughout Eastern Europe.
In Poland's long history, the Solidarity strike of 1980 was not only an economic protest, but also a cry for freedom and dignity. Lech Walesa and his colleagues, with their courage and perseverance, lit a light – the light of hope. This light illuminated Poland and then the skies of the whole of Eastern Europe. From Poznan to Budapest, from Prague to Berlin, every small protest is a pursuit of freedom, and every chorus of voices is a call for human rights. History has proved that true strength comes from the indomitable spirit of the people, and every small action may make an immortal legend.