Martial law in Poland

Quick Facts: Who was Martial law in Poland?

Subject:

Martial law in Poland

Known for:

The imposition of martial law in Poland (1981–1983) to suppress the Solidarity movement.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Martial law in Poland (Polish: Stan wojenny w Polsce) was in effect between 13 December 1981 and 22 July 1983. The government of the Polish People's Republic drastically restricted everyday life by introducing martial law and a military junta in an attempt to counter political opposition, in particular the Solidarity movement. Since the late 1970s, Poland had been in a deep economic recession. Edward Gierek, First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party (PZPR), had obtained a series of large loans from foreign creditors to achieve better economic output. This instead resulted in a domestic crisis.

Career & Major Achievements

Essential goods were heavily rationed, which acted as a stimulus to establishing the first anticommunist trade union in the Eastern Bloc, known as Solidarity (Polish: Solidarność), in 1980. Gierek, who permitted the trade union to appear per the Gdańsk Agreement, was dismissed from his post less than a month later and confined to house arrest. Following countless strikes and demonstrations by employees of chief industrial regions, Poland was heading towards bankruptcy. The new First Secretary, General Wojciech Jaruzelski, was determined to end the demonstrations by force if necessary. On 13 December 1981, Jaruzelski announced the imposition of martial law in a televised speech, following the vote of the Council of State the previous day which formally authorised its introduction.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

An extraconstitutional military junta, the Military Council of National Salvation (WRON), was formed to rule Poland during the time. The Polish People's Army, Citizens' Militia (MO), special paramilitary units of the Motorized Reserves of the Citizens' Militia ("ZOMO"), and tanks were deployed on the streets to demoralize demonstrators, conduct street patrols, control strategic enterprises, and maintain a strict curfew. Intercity travel without a permit was forbidden, food shortages intensified, and censorship was placed on all media and correspondence. The Security Service (Służba Bezpieczeństwa, or SB) wiretapped phones in public booths and state institutions. Thousands of opposition activists were imprisoned without trial, and although martial law was lifted in 1983, many political prisoners were not released until a general amnesty in 1986.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1980: 1980 Milestone — Essential goods were heavily rationed, which acted as a stimulus to establishing the first anticommunist trade union in the Eastern Bloc, known as Solidarity (Polish: Solidarność), in 1980.
2. 1981: 1981 Milestone — Martial law in Poland (Polish: Stan wojenny w Polsce) was in effect between 13 December 1981 and 22 July 1983.
3. 1983: 1983 Milestone — Thousands of opposition activists were imprisoned without trial, and although martial law was lifted in 1983, many political prisoners were not released until a general amnesty in 1986.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Martial law in Poland

True or False: “Martial law was immediately lifted after the initial protests subsided in 1982.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While martial law was suspended on December 31, 1982, it was not formally lifted until July 22, 1983.

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