Wikipedia

Martial law in Poland

Martial Law introduced by the government of the People's Republic of Poland, to suppress democratic mouvents and Solidarnosc activity

Martial law in Poland (Polish: Stan wojenny w Polsce) happened from 13 December 1981 to 22 July 1983. The government of the Polish People's Republic used it to stop protests and control the country. It targeted the Solidarity movement and other groups.

Martial law in Poland
Part of the Polish crisis of 1980–1981 and the Cold War

Polish T-55 tanks enter the town of Zbąszyń while moving east towards Poznań, 13 December 1981
Date13 December 1981 – 22 July 1983 (1 year, 7 months, 1 week and 2 days)
Location
 Poland
Result

Polish government victory

  • Crackdown on opposition
  • Protests suppressed
  • Deepened economic crisis
  • Continued resistance until 1989
Belligerents

Polish People's Republic Polish People's Republic

Supported by:

 Soviet Union (Intelligence support and military equipment)

Solidarity Movement

Supported by:

Polish government-in-exile Polish government-in-exile
 United States (Financial support)
 United Kingdom (Financial support)
Commanders and leaders

Polish People's Republic Wojciech Jaruzelski

Polish government-in-exile Lech Wałęsa
Strength

Initial strength:[1]

  • 80,000 soldiers
  • 30,000 policemen
  • 1,750 tanks
  • 1,900 combat vehicles
  • 9,000 cars
 23,000 members of Solidarity, protesters, governmental defectors and other people armed mostly with small arms
Casualties and losses
  • 1 killed
  • over 20 injured
  • about 100 killed
  • Thousands arrested

    • Background

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    Poland had many problems in the 1970s. The government borrowed money but could not fix the economy. Food and other goods were limited. In 1980, workers started Solidarity, the first free trade union in the Communist Bloc. Protests grew. General Wojciech Jaruzelski became the leader. He wanted to end protests.[2][3]

    Description

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    On 13 December 1981, Jaruzelski said martial law started. The Military Council of National Salvation (WRON) was created to lead the country. The army and police worked to stop protests.[4][5][3]

    During martial law:[6][5]

    • People could not protest.
    • A curfew was set.
    • The government controlled the news and letters.
    • Travel needed special permission.
    • Thousands of people were put in jail.

    Deaths

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    In total, almost 100 people died. Fewer protests happened in 1982. Martial law ended on 31 December 1982.[6][7][4]

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    References

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    1. ↑ "The Day Poland Stood Still: Memories from the Introduction of Martial Law". Culture.pl.
    2. ↑ Nelsson, Richard; Nelsson, compiled by Richard (2021-12-08). "Poland imposes martial law 'to avert anarchy' – archive, 1981". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The Introduction of Martial Law in Poland". ENRS. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "42 lata temu wprowadzono w Polsce stan wojenny". www.pap.pl. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "43 years ago, tanks rolled out onto the streets. Poland marks the anniversary of 1981 martial law". TVN24. 2024-12-13. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "13 grudnia – Dzień Pamięci Ofiar Stanu Wojennego". www.senat.gov.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2024-12-13.
    7. ↑ "Śmiertelne ofiary stanu wojennego - Historia". www.polskieradio.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2024-12-13.

    Other websites

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