Reasons for solidarity success

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    Created by
    Will Mawdsley Year 10

    Cards (7)

      1. The union was strongest in those industries important to the government, shipbuilding and heavy industry. A general strike from these industries would cripple the Polish economy
    • 2) In the early stages Solidarity was not seen as an alternative to the communist party. Over 1 million (30%) Communist party workers joined Solidarity
    • 3) Lech Walesa was very careful in negotiations with the government and worked to avoid any dispute involving the USSR
    • 4) The union was immensely popular with almost half of workers being a member. Lech Walesa was seen as a hero
    • 5) Solidarity had the support of the catholic church, which was very popular in Poland
    • 6) The government was playing for time. They hoped Solidarity would break up into factions. They were also drawing up plans for Martial Law
    • 7) USSR was watching Poland but due to Solidarity having lots of support from the West, USSR had to approach cautiously