Solidarity (Solidarność)

Solidarity, or Solidarność in Polish, was a social movement that emerged in the 1980s, primarily in Poland. It began as a trade union representing workers' rights, founded at the Gdańsk Shipyard under leader Lech Wałęsa. Solidarity became a symbol of resistance against the communist regime, advocating for democracy, social change, and human rights. It united various groups in society, including workers, intellectuals, and Catholics. The movement played a crucial role in the eventual fall of communism in Poland and inspired similar movements in Eastern Europe, leading to significant political changes across the region.