Solidarity (political movement)

Solidarity is a Polish political movement founded in 1980 that initially emerged to support workers striking against Communist rule. It grew into a broad social movement advocating for workers’ rights, human rights, and political reform. Solidarity played a key role in challenging communist authorities in Poland and contributed significantly to the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe. Recognized as the first independent labor union in a Soviet-bloc country, it combined trade unionism with broader political activism, becoming a symbol of peaceful resistance and democratic change.