Praca przymusowa w Powszechnej Organizacji „Służba Polsce” w latach 1948–1955. Pomiędzy buntem a kapitulacją
Forced labour in the National Organisation „Service to Poland” 1948–1955. Between the rebellion and the capitulation

Summary/Abstract: The 100th anniversary of Poland regaining independence encourages us to reflect on itsdifficult road to obtaining actual freedom. It obliges us to recall events and attitudes not only ofwell-known heroes of past times, but also ordinary people who guided by wisdom, courage, andresponsibility defended centuries-old Polish values. In the article, I am looking for the answers tothe following questions: Can any constructive values be found in forced labour and what are they?What work attitudes were shaped by forced labour? I have based my reflections on the labour brigades of the "Service to Poland,” which was a labour organisation for the young created by communist authorities in 1948. Their official goal was to shape young people’s attitudes towardswork, vocational training, and reconstruction of the country. The hidden goal, however, was thecommunist indoctrination of young people aiming at making them the so-called new people –"homo sovieticus", i.e. the obedient citizens of the new socialist state.

• Details
• Contents