The Polish Crisis in 1980 and 1981
by adam sturdee

1. Consequences
1.1. Strikes continued, and Solidarity arose 6 years later. Lech Walessa became President of Poland after the collapse of Communism, 1990-95. (Steph)
1.2. Martial law continued for 7 years until 1988. (James and Jess)
1.3. Strong anti-Soviet backlash in West - Reagan began making more weapons and Western aid was increased. (James and Jess)
1.3.1. USA heap military aid on anti communist guerillas in Afgahnistan and Nicaruga (Dave)
1.3.2. Cruise and Pershing missiles stationed in Europe by US (Dave)
1.3.3. US Trying to outspend Soviet Bloc; which would lead to their downfall. (Ben)
1.4. Soviet government became more aware that satellite states were growing less tolerant of oppression. (James and Jess)
1.5. Solidarity still working underground after being abolished in 1982. This ensured t to rise again after the downfall of communism. (Alex and Ben)
1.6. Martial Law was Declared on December 13th 1980 but the Warsaw pact troops did not use force due to warnings from the US. (Simon)
1.7. The influence of Solidarity led to vast increase of anti-communist movements throughout the Eastern Bloc, weakening their communist governments. (Simon)
1.8. 150,000 people where imprisoned and thousands were killed. (Mav)
1.9. December 1981, Jaruzelski imposed martial law, banned solidarity, imprisioned many members of the trade union and intimidate others (Laurie, Mav)
2. Causes
2.1. strike of shipyard workers in Gdansk. (Laurie)
2.1.1. Which was because of Poor Working conditions and Poor Wages due to impacts of communism (Ben)
2.2. Food shortages. (Laurie)
2.2.1. 1976:60% rise in prices (Alex)
2.2.1.1. Another rise in 1980's (Alex)