Poland

Poland, a formerly communistic country, has a history strewn with violence and suffering. During the Warsaw Uprising alone, more than 200,000 people were killed and the capital was destroyed. Due to their military struggles, Poles referred to their country as “the Christ among Nations.” It was not until the 1970s and 1980s that nonviolence was truly embraced.

The nonviolent movement in Poland was largely centered around the Catholic Church. Poland was and is a primarily Catholic nation, so when Cardinal Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II, the church’s connection to the movement was strengthened. He desired for transformation in Poland. Like in the civil rights movement, the church became a place where ideas could flow freely. People could talk at the church openly, without being silenced by a communist oppressor.

The movement for freedom from communist oppression in Poland became known as the Solidarity Movement. In 1989, it led to the democratization of Poland. This was the first time that a communist country was converted to a multi-party democracy. Originally, the goal was not for democratization, but rather a more liberal communist rule.

This movement showed me how people become empowered. The church was one of the main motivating forces. It helped create a sense of unity and allowed for people to express their ideas and feelings.