- The Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa), an underground resistance movement, launched an uprising against the occupying German forces in Warsaw.
- The uprising was supported by the Polish government-in-exile based in London.
- Soviet troops stationed just outside Warsaw did not provide assistance, leading to the eventual defeat of the uprising and the destruction of Warsaw by German forces.
2. Formation of the Solidarity Trade Union Movement (1980):
- Solidarity emerged as an independent labor union in Poland, challenging the communist-controlled official trade unions and the monopoly of the Polish United Workers' Party (PZPR).
- Solidarity represented a significant social and political movement, advocating for democratic reforms, workers' rights, and an end to the communist system in Poland.
3. Protests and Demonstrations:
- Throughout the 1980s, there were numerous protests, strikes, and demonstrations organized by Solidarity and other opposition groups.
- These protests called for democratic reforms, freedom of speech, and an end to censorship.
4. Election of Pope John Paul II (1978):
- The election of Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyła as Pope John Paul II in 1978 had a profound impact on Poland and challenged Soviet authority indirectly.
- As a renowned figure and spiritual leader, Pope John Paul II inspired Poles to pursue freedom, democracy, and human rights.
5. International Solidarity Movement:
- The Solidarity movement garnered international support and attention, particularly from Western countries and trade unions, which put pressure on the Soviet Union and the Polish communist government to respect workers' rights and democratic principles.
6. Round Table Talks (1989):
- The Round Table Talks held between representatives of the communist government, Solidarity, and other opposition groups led to landmark agreements that paved the way for political and economic reforms, including partially free elections and the eventual dismantling of the communist system in Poland.