From 1945 to 1989, Poland was under communist rule, imposed from outside by the Soviet Union. During this time, the Catholic Church was suppressed, but for many Poles it continued to embody Polish national identity. The Church served as a popular rallying point for opposition to the Soviet Union and the Polish communist party. In particular, it lent its active support to the Solidarity free trade union movement in the 1980s that did much to bring about the fall of communism. Thereafter, the Church regained a public role and has had a significant influence on Polish politics since.
