Poland – a country of remembrance and anniversaries
Poland is a country of constant anniversaries. Events from the 20th century are particularly celebrated. This is understandable, as these events are recent and many of the participants are still alive. A day that many Poles in Poland remember is December 13, 1981. What happened then?
Poland under occupation and the growing social rebellion
Poland was occupied by Germany and Russia from 1939, and by Germany from 1941 to 1945. During the war with Germany, Russia was forced to occupy Polish territory. Russians and communists say that the Red Army “liberated” Poland. Years of Russian occupation led many Poles to believe this. However, Poland was in turmoil throughout. Every few years, local revolts erupted for economic reasons, but demands for political freedom quickly emerged. This was the case in Poznań in 1956, in Warsaw and other cities in 1968, in 1970, and in 1976.
Solidarity – the breakthrough of 1980
1980 was an exceptional year. In August, strikes broke out across Poland. Workers and the intelligentsia united for the first time. The strikers managed to win and achieve their most important demand – free trade unions. This is how the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” was born. The union was anti-communist and anti-Russian. At the time, it was called anti-Soviet. Since the Polish Communist Party failed to place its agents at its head, it was decided to attack the union.
Night of December 12-13, 1981 – brutal pacification
On the night of December 12th to 13th, 1981, the communist party attacked free Poles from the Solidarity movement. Around 10,000 people were interned. Many were beaten. On December 16th, the militia shot at striking miners at the Wujek mine in Silesia. The casualties were ignored. Each striking plant, and there were hundreds across the country, was surrounded by the army, and then tanks forced their way through the barricades. Special militia units then moved in and crushed the strikers. The next step was arrests. During the struggle, the strikers were beaten and humiliated. Sometimes they were beaten to death. They used their agents, previously planted, to sow discord among those defending the plant. In the 1980s, approximately 100 Poles were murdered in various ways. This was carried out by the communist secret police and armed militiamen who shot at the strikers.
December 13 as a day of remembrance for the victims of martial law
Since then, December 13th has become the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Martial Law in Poland. Many schools celebrate this day. Students meet with those who fought against communism. In Poland, the Office for War Veterans and Victims of Oppression provides care to those who once had the courage to fight communism. Thanks to this care, many of these people can lead dignified lives, even though the persecution prevented them from saving enough for a decent retirement.
Why foreigners should know the date December 13, 1981
Not all Poles are interested in history. Many no longer know what happened on December 13, 1981. However, it’s important for foreigners to be familiar with these anniversaries. It will be easier for them to talk to Poles who care about this. They might even be able to pleasantly surprise them.
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