Martial Law in Poland
A 'State of War' Was Imposed During 1982-1983 by Polish Government
Jan 13, 2009
In December of 1981, martial law, or “state of war,” was declared in Poland. This controversial move was taken by newly appointed Prime Minister Wojciech Jaruzelski. Martial law ended in July of 1983. The reasons for martial law are sometimes disputed, the conditions during martial law are well documented, and the end of martial law did not result in a stronger Poland.
Reasons for Martial Law
Reasons for imposing martial law in Poland were economic and political in nature. Many sources oversimplify the reasons for imposing martial law, describing ruling party attempts to quash the Solidarity movement, which was gaining popularity during a time of deepening economic trouble. Jaruzelski, long manipulated by Soviet leadership and loyal Communist, has indicated that he imposed martial law to prevent a Soviet invasion, which would have resulted in many more casualties than his orderly, well-executed imposition of martial law did. Unfortunately, whether or not the Soviet Union would have conducted any military operations if the Polish government had not is unclear. Jaruzelski has since maintained that he saved the country from bloodshed and that his reasons for imposing martial law were honorable.
Conditions during Martial Law in Poland
Conditions during martial law in Poland were sometimes contradictory. While social organization was banned – even at schools and movie theaters – certain foodstuffs and supplies became more readily available. However, Poland was indeed, at a “ state of war,” even though it was not at war with any real enemy. Airspace and national borders were closed. Certain sectors of industry were militarized. Military force was used to control widespread strikes. Telephone conversations and postal communications were monitored
Solidarity's leadership and organization faired poorly. A list of those who were to be arrested was prepared well before martial law was imposed and certain members of Solidarity were detained. Some Solidarity members went into hiding. Solidarity was officially banned and disbanded.
End of Martial Law
The end of martial law came in 1983. Poland's economic situation was no better. While Solidarity's strength had effectively been trampled, Jaruzelski was unpopular with the Polish public and the Communist Party's strength was also diminished. Some members of Solidarity's leadership remained in jail for years after the end of martial law. Poles left the country to seek better jobs elsewhere. Poland's political situation stagnated until 1988, when Solidarity once again used strikes to send political messages. Martial law could not be imposed again, so Poland was forced to deal with Solidarity's popularity and its opposition to the government.
References
Bideleux, Robert, and Jeffries, Ian. A History of Eastern Europe: Crisis and Change. London: Routledge, 1989. 574-576.
Lukowski, Jerzy, and Zawadski, Hubert. A Concise History of Poland. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 313-317.
Rosenburg, Tina. The Haunted Land: Facing Europe's Ghosts After Communism. New York: Vintage Books, 1995. 223-230.
