The Revolutions of 1989 were part of a revolutionary wave in the late 1980s and early 1990s that resulted in the end of Communist rule in the Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe and beyond. The period is sometimes called the Autumn of Nations, a play on the term "Springtime of Nations" sometimes used to describe the Revolutions of 1848.
Leadup to revolution
By the late 1980s, people in the Caucasus and Baltic states were demanding more autonomy from Moscow, and the Kremlin was losing some of its control over certain regions and elements in the Soviet Union. In November 1988, Estonia issued a declaration of sovereignty, which would eventually lead to other states making similar declarations of autonomy.
The Chernobyl disaster in April 1986 had major political and social effects that catalyzed or at least partially caused the revolutions of 1989. One political result of the disaster was greatly increased significance of the new Soviet policy of glasnost.
It is difficult to establish the total economic cost of the disaster. According to Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union spent 18 billion rubles (the equivalent of US$18 billion at that time) on containment and decontamination, virtually bankrupting itself.
Communism in Poland can trace its origins to early 20th century, as is the case in geographically nearby countries. The first significant Polish Marxist was Stanisław Brzozowski (1878–1911).
In 1943, Stalin made efforts to rebuild the Polish communist party. He created the Union of Polish Patriots, to become an agent to aid the legitimization of a puppet state he planned to set up in war-ridden Poland. This led to the creation of the People's Republic of Poland and the Polish United Workers' Party. Having little popularity, the majority of Polish communists were dependent on support of the Soviet Union.
There were also repeated attempts by some Polish academics and philosophers, like Leszek Kołakowski, Tadeusz Kotarbiński, Kazimierz Ajdukiewicz and Stanisław Ossowski to develop, as a slowly eroding opposition, a specific form of Polish Marxism. While their attempts to create a bridge between Poland's history and Soviet Marxist ideology were mildly successful, especially in comparison to similar efforts in most other countries of the Eastern Bloc, they have been to much extent stifled by the regime's unwillingness to step too far and risk the wrath of Soviets for going too far from the Soviet party line.
Poland is a historical novel written by James A. Michener and published in 1983 detailing the times and tribulations of three Polish families (the Lubonski family, the Bukowski family, and the Buk family) across eight centuries, ending in the then-present day (1981).
Overview
Michener was hired by a television company to travel to a foreign country to shoot a documentary. He was offered support to go anywhere in the world and Michener decided to make the trip to Poland. Following this, Michener made several trips back to Poland and conducted extensive study of Poland's history and culture. He began writing the book in 1979 and it was published four years later.
Like Michener's other works, he includes an acknowledgments section at the beginning of the book; however due to the political turmoil in Poland at the time, Michener decided not to include the names of the people he traveled with for fear of persecutions against them. He writes: "Normally, as I have done in my other novels, I would list their names, their impressive occupations, their achievements in research and scholarship, but I cannot ascertain whether in the present climate this would hurt or help them."
Poland and the Fall of Communism through The Lens of Chris Niedenthal
See how award-winning photographer Chris Niedenthal documented Poland's influence on the fall of Communism.
Chris Niedenthal has been photographing Poland for more than 40 years and has worked for magazines such as Time and Newsweek. During that time, he has witnessed Poland as a Communist country under Soviet influence, photographed the implementation of martial law in the country between 1981 and 1983, the subsequent uprisings and the eventual fall of Communism in 1989. Through his photographs Chris talks about all the key events and what Poland was like during the Communist times.
Discover the untold stories of NATO. from its birth onwards on: http://bit.ly/NATOdeclassified
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published: 08 Mar 2017
POLAND: from COMMUNISM to CAPITALISM in just a few WEEKS - VisualPolitik EN
Check out our brand new channel, Visual Academy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC00VXLPfLevjlZUhb3XkDhQ
Poland is experiencing the best era in its history. Since 1989, when it became the first country in the world to completely abandon communism, Poland has experienced an economic miracle. Since then the size of its economy has increased eightfold and all indicators have improved almost miraculously.
In fact, 1991 was the last strictly bad year for the Polish economy until the arrival of the coronavirus. While there have been many ups and downs along the way in the rest of Europe, since 1992 the Polish economy has grown each and every year at an annual average of over 4%. And now the impact of COVID-19 is also being reduced.
However, in 1989 the situation in Poland was very differen...
published: 03 Jan 2021
Solidarity and the fall of communism in Poland
A detailed explanation of why Poland was the first country in which the communist government fell. Includes an interview with former Polish president Lech Walesa. Taken from Curriculum Bites.
published: 24 May 2019
Poland: The Morning After (1990) - Poland after the collapse of communism
As communism crumbles in Poland, "Frontline" considers the hope and promise of the new Solidarity government and examines the deep economic troubles that threaten Poland's young democracy.
Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation.
#history
#Poland
#1990s
published: 16 Nov 2021
End of Communism: How 1989 Changed Europe
Seventy years ago -- on May 12, 1949 -- the Soviet Union ended its 11-month-long blockade of Berlin. The blockade had begun on June 24, 1948, amid a currency dispute with the Western Allies. Moscow cut off road, rail, and water access to Berlin's Western sector. Food and electricity would soon run out. The solution? The Allies set in motion a massive undertaking that would become known as the Berlin Airlift.
***
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We report the news in 22 countries without a free press. Our journalists are a unique source of information from the front l...
published: 07 Nov 2019
How Did Poland End Communism? How Poland Saved Europe
The Poles like to describe themselves as the martyrs of nations; the "Christ of Europe," set to be crucified and surfer because of their valiant deeds. However Romantic this notion seems, it does hold some important truth; the Poles did suffer and the Poles did save. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the Polish people faced a devitalizing enemy, its own despotic government, The Polish People's Worker's Party. However, the regime soon found the resistance that the Polish people gave to be devitalizing as well. Under the Trade Union Solidarność, or Solidarity, the amount and way the Polish people had resisted the People's Worker's Party was uniquely profound. How did the Poland and its distinctive Civil Society defeat their Communist Government and save Europe from the clutches of ...
published: 17 Mar 2020
Top News Story August 17, 1989
In a history making occurrence marking part of the end of the Cold War and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, Poland forms a government to control its parliament that is not communist. Ministers for police and defense must remain in communist control, however. Poland is still a Warsaw Pact nation under political influence from the Soviet Union and the reaction of the Soviet Union to this unfolding event is watched for carefully.
published: 30 Dec 2017
The Revolutions Of 1989
The dramatic fall of communism across Eastern Europe cannot be traced to one event, one decision, or one person. But there was a singular wind of change sweeping across the continent in 1989, blowing down the Iron Curtain, and revealing the public's yearning for freedom. RFE/RL interviewed key players in the drama, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Czech President Vaclav Havel, in this look back at the European revolutions of 1989.
published: 05 Nov 2009
Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism
One of history’s greatest examples of the triumph of spiritual power over violence and oppression is vividly recounted in Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism, a new documentary film that poignantly captures the intricate role played by John Paul in the fall of Communism and the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe.
Featuring the unique insights of intellectual and cultural leaders such as papal biographer George Weigel, esteemed Polish historian Norman Davies, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, and John Paul’s lifelong assistant Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz– this inspiring film gives an inside look at the improbable downfall of one of history’s most brutal regimes.
Narrated by Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ and Person of Interest) and with original music by J...
See how award-winning photographer Chris Niedenthal documented Poland's influence on the fall of Communism.
Chris Niedenthal has been photographing Poland for ...
See how award-winning photographer Chris Niedenthal documented Poland's influence on the fall of Communism.
Chris Niedenthal has been photographing Poland for more than 40 years and has worked for magazines such as Time and Newsweek. During that time, he has witnessed Poland as a Communist country under Soviet influence, photographed the implementation of martial law in the country between 1981 and 1983, the subsequent uprisings and the eventual fall of Communism in 1989. Through his photographs Chris talks about all the key events and what Poland was like during the Communist times.
Discover the untold stories of NATO. from its birth onwards on: http://bit.ly/NATOdeclassified
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#NATO #NATOHistory
See how award-winning photographer Chris Niedenthal documented Poland's influence on the fall of Communism.
Chris Niedenthal has been photographing Poland for more than 40 years and has worked for magazines such as Time and Newsweek. During that time, he has witnessed Poland as a Communist country under Soviet influence, photographed the implementation of martial law in the country between 1981 and 1983, the subsequent uprisings and the eventual fall of Communism in 1989. Through his photographs Chris talks about all the key events and what Poland was like during the Communist times.
Discover the untold stories of NATO. from its birth onwards on: http://bit.ly/NATOdeclassified
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
SUBSCRIBE to this NATO History http://bit.ly/NATOHistorySubscribe
SUBSCRIBE to NATO Channel http://bit.ly/NATOsubscribe
SUBSCRIBE to NATO News http://bit.ly/NATONewsSubscribe
Connect with NATO online:
Visit the Official NATO Homepage: http://bit.ly/NATOhomepage
Find NATO on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/NATOfacebook
Follow @NATO on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/NATOtwitter
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Find NATO on Flickr: http://bit.ly/NATOflickr
#NATO #NATOHistory
Check out our brand new channel, Visual Academy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC00VXLPfLevjlZUhb3XkDhQ
Poland is experiencing the best era in its history. S...
Check out our brand new channel, Visual Academy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC00VXLPfLevjlZUhb3XkDhQ
Poland is experiencing the best era in its history. Since 1989, when it became the first country in the world to completely abandon communism, Poland has experienced an economic miracle. Since then the size of its economy has increased eightfold and all indicators have improved almost miraculously.
In fact, 1991 was the last strictly bad year for the Polish economy until the arrival of the coronavirus. While there have been many ups and downs along the way in the rest of Europe, since 1992 the Polish economy has grown each and every year at an annual average of over 4%. And now the impact of COVID-19 is also being reduced.
However, in 1989 the situation in Poland was very different: at that time the lack of basic products was the norm, Poles had to stand in long and tedious queues to fill their pantries and the crisis the country was going through seemed eternal. Almost 45 years of Soviet rule had destroyed the Polish economy. But from 1989, everything changed and it changed very quickly. The question we investigate is, how did Poland manage to escape from communism? How did it go from being a practically bankrupt country to an economic shining light? In this video we tell you all the details about one of the most incredible political and economic transitions we have ever witnessed.
Support us on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/VisualPolitik
And don't forget to visit our friend’s podcast, Reconsider Media:
https://www.reconsidermedia.com/
Check out our brand new channel, Visual Academy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC00VXLPfLevjlZUhb3XkDhQ
Poland is experiencing the best era in its history. Since 1989, when it became the first country in the world to completely abandon communism, Poland has experienced an economic miracle. Since then the size of its economy has increased eightfold and all indicators have improved almost miraculously.
In fact, 1991 was the last strictly bad year for the Polish economy until the arrival of the coronavirus. While there have been many ups and downs along the way in the rest of Europe, since 1992 the Polish economy has grown each and every year at an annual average of over 4%. And now the impact of COVID-19 is also being reduced.
However, in 1989 the situation in Poland was very different: at that time the lack of basic products was the norm, Poles had to stand in long and tedious queues to fill their pantries and the crisis the country was going through seemed eternal. Almost 45 years of Soviet rule had destroyed the Polish economy. But from 1989, everything changed and it changed very quickly. The question we investigate is, how did Poland manage to escape from communism? How did it go from being a practically bankrupt country to an economic shining light? In this video we tell you all the details about one of the most incredible political and economic transitions we have ever witnessed.
Support us on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/VisualPolitik
And don't forget to visit our friend’s podcast, Reconsider Media:
https://www.reconsidermedia.com/
A detailed explanation of why Poland was the first country in which the communist government fell. Includes an interview with former Polish president Lech Wales...
A detailed explanation of why Poland was the first country in which the communist government fell. Includes an interview with former Polish president Lech Walesa. Taken from Curriculum Bites.
A detailed explanation of why Poland was the first country in which the communist government fell. Includes an interview with former Polish president Lech Walesa. Taken from Curriculum Bites.
As communism crumbles in Poland, "Frontline" considers the hope and promise of the new Solidarity government and examines the deep economic troubles that threat...
As communism crumbles in Poland, "Frontline" considers the hope and promise of the new Solidarity government and examines the deep economic troubles that threaten Poland's young democracy.
Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation.
#history
#Poland
#1990s
As communism crumbles in Poland, "Frontline" considers the hope and promise of the new Solidarity government and examines the deep economic troubles that threaten Poland's young democracy.
Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation.
#history
#Poland
#1990s
Seventy years ago -- on May 12, 1949 -- the Soviet Union ended its 11-month-long blockade of Berlin. The blockade had begun on June 24, 1948, amid a currency di...
Seventy years ago -- on May 12, 1949 -- the Soviet Union ended its 11-month-long blockade of Berlin. The blockade had begun on June 24, 1948, amid a currency dispute with the Western Allies. Moscow cut off road, rail, and water access to Berlin's Western sector. Food and electricity would soon run out. The solution? The Allies set in motion a massive undertaking that would become known as the Berlin Airlift.
***
For more explainers, graphics and videos, visit: https://www.rferl.org/Multimedia or follow us on:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rferl/
Twitter https://twitter.com/RFERL
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rfe.rl/
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We report the news in 22 countries without a free press. Our journalists are a unique source of information from the front lines. https://www.rferl.org/
Seventy years ago -- on May 12, 1949 -- the Soviet Union ended its 11-month-long blockade of Berlin. The blockade had begun on June 24, 1948, amid a currency dispute with the Western Allies. Moscow cut off road, rail, and water access to Berlin's Western sector. Food and electricity would soon run out. The solution? The Allies set in motion a massive undertaking that would become known as the Berlin Airlift.
***
For more explainers, graphics and videos, visit: https://www.rferl.org/Multimedia or follow us on:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rferl/
Twitter https://twitter.com/RFERL
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rfe.rl/
Telegram https://telegram.me/rferl
We report the news in 22 countries without a free press. Our journalists are a unique source of information from the front lines. https://www.rferl.org/
The Poles like to describe themselves as the martyrs of nations; the "Christ of Europe," set to be crucified and surfer because of their valiant deeds. However ...
The Poles like to describe themselves as the martyrs of nations; the "Christ of Europe," set to be crucified and surfer because of their valiant deeds. However Romantic this notion seems, it does hold some important truth; the Poles did suffer and the Poles did save. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the Polish people faced a devitalizing enemy, its own despotic government, The Polish People's Worker's Party. However, the regime soon found the resistance that the Polish people gave to be devitalizing as well. Under the Trade Union Solidarność, or Solidarity, the amount and way the Polish people had resisted the People's Worker's Party was uniquely profound. How did the Poland and its distinctive Civil Society defeat their Communist Government and save Europe from the clutches of despotism in the process?
Fog by Yuzzy
Music by Yuzzy:
https://bit.ly/2nUbGqD
Polish Underground State Flag -----By Bastianow (Bastian) - This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape by Bastianowa (Bastiana) na podstawie Flaga_PPP.png., CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1039592
The Poles like to describe themselves as the martyrs of nations; the "Christ of Europe," set to be crucified and surfer because of their valiant deeds. However Romantic this notion seems, it does hold some important truth; the Poles did suffer and the Poles did save. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the Polish people faced a devitalizing enemy, its own despotic government, The Polish People's Worker's Party. However, the regime soon found the resistance that the Polish people gave to be devitalizing as well. Under the Trade Union Solidarność, or Solidarity, the amount and way the Polish people had resisted the People's Worker's Party was uniquely profound. How did the Poland and its distinctive Civil Society defeat their Communist Government and save Europe from the clutches of despotism in the process?
Fog by Yuzzy
Music by Yuzzy:
https://bit.ly/2nUbGqD
Polish Underground State Flag -----By Bastianow (Bastian) - This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape by Bastianowa (Bastiana) na podstawie Flaga_PPP.png., CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1039592
In a history making occurrence marking part of the end of the Cold War and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, Poland forms a government to control its par...
In a history making occurrence marking part of the end of the Cold War and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, Poland forms a government to control its parliament that is not communist. Ministers for police and defense must remain in communist control, however. Poland is still a Warsaw Pact nation under political influence from the Soviet Union and the reaction of the Soviet Union to this unfolding event is watched for carefully.
In a history making occurrence marking part of the end of the Cold War and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, Poland forms a government to control its parliament that is not communist. Ministers for police and defense must remain in communist control, however. Poland is still a Warsaw Pact nation under political influence from the Soviet Union and the reaction of the Soviet Union to this unfolding event is watched for carefully.
The dramatic fall of communism across Eastern Europe cannot be traced to one event, one decision, or one person. But there was a singular wind of change sweepi...
The dramatic fall of communism across Eastern Europe cannot be traced to one event, one decision, or one person. But there was a singular wind of change sweeping across the continent in 1989, blowing down the Iron Curtain, and revealing the public's yearning for freedom. RFE/RL interviewed key players in the drama, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Czech President Vaclav Havel, in this look back at the European revolutions of 1989.
The dramatic fall of communism across Eastern Europe cannot be traced to one event, one decision, or one person. But there was a singular wind of change sweeping across the continent in 1989, blowing down the Iron Curtain, and revealing the public's yearning for freedom. RFE/RL interviewed key players in the drama, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Czech President Vaclav Havel, in this look back at the European revolutions of 1989.
One of history’s greatest examples of the triumph of spiritual power over violence and oppression is vividly recounted in Liberating a Continent: John Paul II a...
One of history’s greatest examples of the triumph of spiritual power over violence and oppression is vividly recounted in Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism, a new documentary film that poignantly captures the intricate role played by John Paul in the fall of Communism and the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe.
Featuring the unique insights of intellectual and cultural leaders such as papal biographer George Weigel, esteemed Polish historian Norman Davies, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, and John Paul’s lifelong assistant Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz– this inspiring film gives an inside look at the improbable downfall of one of history’s most brutal regimes.
Narrated by Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ and Person of Interest) and with original music by Joe Kraemer (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Jack Reacher) this is the incredible story of one man’s unwavering faith born of deep personal suffering, his steadfast defense of the dignity of the human person amidst the horrors of the Second World War and Soviet Occupation, and his unyielding belief in the spiritual unity of Europe. Liberating a Continent convincingly reveals how these convictions toppled an evil empire—and how they remain today the moral foundations for a prosperous and free Europe.
One of history’s greatest examples of the triumph of spiritual power over violence and oppression is vividly recounted in Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism, a new documentary film that poignantly captures the intricate role played by John Paul in the fall of Communism and the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe.
Featuring the unique insights of intellectual and cultural leaders such as papal biographer George Weigel, esteemed Polish historian Norman Davies, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, and John Paul’s lifelong assistant Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz– this inspiring film gives an inside look at the improbable downfall of one of history’s most brutal regimes.
Narrated by Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ and Person of Interest) and with original music by Joe Kraemer (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Jack Reacher) this is the incredible story of one man’s unwavering faith born of deep personal suffering, his steadfast defense of the dignity of the human person amidst the horrors of the Second World War and Soviet Occupation, and his unyielding belief in the spiritual unity of Europe. Liberating a Continent convincingly reveals how these convictions toppled an evil empire—and how they remain today the moral foundations for a prosperous and free Europe.
See how award-winning photographer Chris Niedenthal documented Poland's influence on the fall of Communism.
Chris Niedenthal has been photographing Poland for more than 40 years and has worked for magazines such as Time and Newsweek. During that time, he has witnessed Poland as a Communist country under Soviet influence, photographed the implementation of martial law in the country between 1981 and 1983, the subsequent uprisings and the eventual fall of Communism in 1989. Through his photographs Chris talks about all the key events and what Poland was like during the Communist times.
Discover the untold stories of NATO. from its birth onwards on: http://bit.ly/NATOdeclassified
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
SUBSCRIBE to this NATO History http://bit.ly/NATOHistorySubscribe
SUBSCRIBE to NATO Channel http://bit.ly/NATOsubscribe
SUBSCRIBE to NATO News http://bit.ly/NATONewsSubscribe
Connect with NATO online:
Visit the Official NATO Homepage: http://bit.ly/NATOhomepage
Find NATO on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/NATOfacebook
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Find NATO on Google+: http://bit.ly/NATOgoogleplus
Find NATO on LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/NATOlinkedin
Find NATO on Flickr: http://bit.ly/NATOflickr
#NATO #NATOHistory
Check out our brand new channel, Visual Academy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC00VXLPfLevjlZUhb3XkDhQ
Poland is experiencing the best era in its history. Since 1989, when it became the first country in the world to completely abandon communism, Poland has experienced an economic miracle. Since then the size of its economy has increased eightfold and all indicators have improved almost miraculously.
In fact, 1991 was the last strictly bad year for the Polish economy until the arrival of the coronavirus. While there have been many ups and downs along the way in the rest of Europe, since 1992 the Polish economy has grown each and every year at an annual average of over 4%. And now the impact of COVID-19 is also being reduced.
However, in 1989 the situation in Poland was very different: at that time the lack of basic products was the norm, Poles had to stand in long and tedious queues to fill their pantries and the crisis the country was going through seemed eternal. Almost 45 years of Soviet rule had destroyed the Polish economy. But from 1989, everything changed and it changed very quickly. The question we investigate is, how did Poland manage to escape from communism? How did it go from being a practically bankrupt country to an economic shining light? In this video we tell you all the details about one of the most incredible political and economic transitions we have ever witnessed.
Support us on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/VisualPolitik
And don't forget to visit our friend’s podcast, Reconsider Media:
https://www.reconsidermedia.com/
A detailed explanation of why Poland was the first country in which the communist government fell. Includes an interview with former Polish president Lech Walesa. Taken from Curriculum Bites.
As communism crumbles in Poland, "Frontline" considers the hope and promise of the new Solidarity government and examines the deep economic troubles that threaten Poland's young democracy.
Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation.
#history
#Poland
#1990s
Seventy years ago -- on May 12, 1949 -- the Soviet Union ended its 11-month-long blockade of Berlin. The blockade had begun on June 24, 1948, amid a currency dispute with the Western Allies. Moscow cut off road, rail, and water access to Berlin's Western sector. Food and electricity would soon run out. The solution? The Allies set in motion a massive undertaking that would become known as the Berlin Airlift.
***
For more explainers, graphics and videos, visit: https://www.rferl.org/Multimedia or follow us on:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rferl/
Twitter https://twitter.com/RFERL
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rfe.rl/
Telegram https://telegram.me/rferl
We report the news in 22 countries without a free press. Our journalists are a unique source of information from the front lines. https://www.rferl.org/
The Poles like to describe themselves as the martyrs of nations; the "Christ of Europe," set to be crucified and surfer because of their valiant deeds. However Romantic this notion seems, it does hold some important truth; the Poles did suffer and the Poles did save. During the latter half of the 20th Century, the Polish people faced a devitalizing enemy, its own despotic government, The Polish People's Worker's Party. However, the regime soon found the resistance that the Polish people gave to be devitalizing as well. Under the Trade Union Solidarność, or Solidarity, the amount and way the Polish people had resisted the People's Worker's Party was uniquely profound. How did the Poland and its distinctive Civil Society defeat their Communist Government and save Europe from the clutches of despotism in the process?
Fog by Yuzzy
Music by Yuzzy:
https://bit.ly/2nUbGqD
Polish Underground State Flag -----By Bastianow (Bastian) - This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape by Bastianowa (Bastiana) na podstawie Flaga_PPP.png., CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1039592
In a history making occurrence marking part of the end of the Cold War and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, Poland forms a government to control its parliament that is not communist. Ministers for police and defense must remain in communist control, however. Poland is still a Warsaw Pact nation under political influence from the Soviet Union and the reaction of the Soviet Union to this unfolding event is watched for carefully.
The dramatic fall of communism across Eastern Europe cannot be traced to one event, one decision, or one person. But there was a singular wind of change sweeping across the continent in 1989, blowing down the Iron Curtain, and revealing the public's yearning for freedom. RFE/RL interviewed key players in the drama, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and former Czech President Vaclav Havel, in this look back at the European revolutions of 1989.
One of history’s greatest examples of the triumph of spiritual power over violence and oppression is vividly recounted in Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism, a new documentary film that poignantly captures the intricate role played by John Paul in the fall of Communism and the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe.
Featuring the unique insights of intellectual and cultural leaders such as papal biographer George Weigel, esteemed Polish historian Norman Davies, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, and John Paul’s lifelong assistant Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz– this inspiring film gives an inside look at the improbable downfall of one of history’s most brutal regimes.
Narrated by Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ and Person of Interest) and with original music by Joe Kraemer (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Jack Reacher) this is the incredible story of one man’s unwavering faith born of deep personal suffering, his steadfast defense of the dignity of the human person amidst the horrors of the Second World War and Soviet Occupation, and his unyielding belief in the spiritual unity of Europe. Liberating a Continent convincingly reveals how these convictions toppled an evil empire—and how they remain today the moral foundations for a prosperous and free Europe.
The Revolutions of 1989 were part of a revolutionary wave in the late 1980s and early 1990s that resulted in the end of Communist rule in the Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe and beyond. The period is sometimes called the Autumn of Nations, a play on the term "Springtime of Nations" sometimes used to describe the Revolutions of 1848.
Leadup to revolution
By the late 1980s, people in the Caucasus and Baltic states were demanding more autonomy from Moscow, and the Kremlin was losing some of its control over certain regions and elements in the Soviet Union. In November 1988, Estonia issued a declaration of sovereignty, which would eventually lead to other states making similar declarations of autonomy.
The Chernobyl disaster in April 1986 had major political and social effects that catalyzed or at least partially caused the revolutions of 1989. One political result of the disaster was greatly increased significance of the new Soviet policy of glasnost.
It is difficult to establish the total economic cost of the disaster. According to Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union spent 18 billion rubles (the equivalent of US$18 billion at that time) on containment and decontamination, virtually bankrupting itself.
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