Cooperation between the Polish and Hungarian Opposition during the Period of Establishing NSZZ ‘Solidarność Cover Image

Współpraca polskiej i węgierskiej opozycji w latach osiemdziesiątych XX wieku
Cooperation between the Polish and Hungarian Opposition during the Period of Establishing NSZZ ‘Solidarność

Author(s): Tadeusz Kopyś
Subject(s): History
Published by: Instytut Pamięci Narodowej
Keywords: Polish Opposition; Hungarian Opposition; Establishing NSZZ; Solidarność

Summary/Abstract: Poland and Hungary were experiencing very similar political transformations within their long history. Mostly, those changes were caused by a great similarity in the social and political structures between the two countries, but also by the simple fact of continued existence of the communist system in both societies. On the other hand, Poland and Hungary differed significantly on the issue concerning the specific Church’s position in Hungary and in Poland and on the role of masses in social movements. Peoples’ flexible attitude toward changing political situation in Hungary was revealed firstly, during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 when the Imre Nagy’s government received an endorsement of the overwhelming majority of Hungarians. Then, after few years, people became drained of powerful emotions which led them – especially working class’ members – to the political inactivity. At the same time, in Poland, the opposition started playing crucial role in a way that, in the 1980s, resulted in establishing a framework of the civil society.

  • Issue Year: 16/2010
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 51-74
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Polish