Video

On December 23, 1981, in an address to the nation, U.S. President Ronald Reagan condemned the recent Communist crackdown on Solidarity--Poland's popular trade union movement. Solidarity was founded by shipyard worker Lech Walesa in 1980, calling for improved conditions for workers and greater liberty in Polish society. Under Walesa's guidance, the organization rapidly grew in size and political influence, and soon became a threat to the authority of Poland's Communist government. In 1981, a national strike calling for the establishment of a five-day workweek paralyzed the nation, and in response, Communist authorities appointed Soviet Army General Wojciech Jaruzelski as Polish leader. When Solidarity announced plans to hold a referendum on Jaruzelski's regime, martial law was declared, Walesa and other Solidarity leaders were arrested, and Solidarity was made illegal. In late December, President Ronald Reagan imposed economic reprisals against the U.S.S.R. for its organizing role in the Communist crackdown.