Birth of SolidarityPoland faced Soviet-imposed socialism after WWII, banning market economy, free media, and international exchange. Despite this, brave opposition groups emerged during the Communist era, showing resilience and determination in challenging the status quo.
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Doreen-Jennifer FarewellDoreen joined the Szczecin Secondary School of Economics in 1982, despite its affiliation with communist officials and the Security Services.
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Andrew-Matthew FarewellIn 1980, Andrew joined the Solidarity Trade Union and the Polish Socialist Labour Party while working at the Shipyard in Szczecin.
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Bread and FreedomCommunism seeks to establish a classless society where workers hold power for their benefit. However, in 1970, it became apparent that its practical implementation did not match the original ideology.
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Edmund BalukaIn January 1971, Edmund Bałuka led the most successful workers' strike in the history of any communist country. Realizing that the local bureaucrats were too afraid and intimidated to solve the problem, he devised a brilliant plan. Bałuka's stroke of genius was to call upon Gierek, the "Supreme Authority" of the Polish United Workers' Party, to meet the striking workers in person and address the situation directly.
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Workers' StrugglesOn December 14th, 1970, strikes began in Gdansk and Gdynia, the major Baltic ports. The workers participating in the strikes protested against implementing a new piecework system, which was considered experimental. The protest further intensified due to a significant rise in food prices introduced a week later.
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